Updated March 23, 2026, 12:41 p.m. PT

The San Francisco 49ers could be looking to add cornerback help in the 2026 NFL draft. They were one of several teams that met with University of Arizona CB Treydan Stukes at this year’s combine.

Stukes told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo in an interview that the 49ers were among 14 teams he met with formally in Indianapolis. It’s unlikely Stukes goes on Day 1 of the draft, but his size, athleticism and ball skills could take him off the board as early as Day 2.

It’s easy to see where a team like San Francisco could become enamored with Stukes. At the NFL combine Stukes measured in at 6-1, 190 pounds with 31 3/4-inch arms. He also clocked a blazing fast 4.33 40-yard dash. He also posted four interceptions during his sixth and final season with the Wildcats.

His age will be a question mark that could hamper his draft stock. However, the age questions that come up with a player like Akheem Mesidor become less important in the middle rounds where Stukes is more likely to be selected.

The bigger question will be whether the 49ers are looking to target a defensive back early enough for Stukes to make it to them. It would be a huge surprise if they selected a CB in Round 1. It would be a pretty significant upset if they also picked one up in Round 2. That means Stukes would still need to be around late on Day 2 for the 49ers to have a shot, and even then they may not be keen on selecting a cornerback given some of their other, bigger needs.

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Deommodore Lenoir is locked in as a starter on one side. 2024 second-round pick Renardo Green figures to be the frontrunner for the starting job opposite Lenoir, and 2025 third-round pick Upton Stout is the likely starting nickel next season. However, if the 49ers believe Green would be better off inside with Stukes lining up outside and Stout working as a fourth CB, or if Stukes can play safety they could prioritize the position earlier than we anticipate even with needs in the trenches and at the offensive skill positions.

Stukes played in 52 games across his six seasons in Tucson, racking up 206 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, seven interceptions and 29 pass breakups.

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