NFL Draft Profile: How Rock Ya-Sin fits with the 49ers

Today we take a closer look at Temple product Rock Ya-Sin as the San Francisco 49ers may turn to Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft to acquire a cornerback.

Greetings Faithful! We are back with another scouting report. Today, we focus on the defensive side of the ball, and the secondary with Temple cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Not only does the senior have the coolest name in this draft class, his stock has been climbing for much of the draft process. Fun Fact: His legal name is Abdurrahman Ya-Sin.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers will need to add additional depth and competition in the secondary. Richard Sherman is not going to be around in the long term and the team would be wise to continue to add talent to a position of need. Let’s take a closer look and see how Rock Ya-Sin can be a nice addition to the red and gold!

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.51
Bench Press: 18 reps
Vertical Jump: 39.5”
Broad Jump: 120.0”
3 Cone Drill: 7.31
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.31

Measurebales:

Height: 6’0”
Weight: 192 lbs.
Hands: 9 7/8”
Arms: 32”

Summary:

Rock Ya-Sin was not a highly recruited player coming out of high school, and began at a smaller program at Presbyterian College before transferring to Temple. He turned heads and exceled as a first-team All-American. In his senior season Ya-Sin led the Owls with 12 passes broken up with 47 tackles, two for a loss, and two interceptions.

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He has great size and physical traits that should transition smoothly at the next level. He is a physical corner who bodies opposing receivers. Moves fluidly through his hips, and is light on his feet, particularly in his back-pedal. He has a strong frame and a natural blend of upper and lower body strength. While he doesn’t have explosive speed, on tape, I like his closing speed and burst to put himself in a position of attack on passes. Has strong and aggressive hands that will play into the catch-point, and will not shy away in one to one matchups against receivers.

Often times on tape, Ya-Sin made his presence known against the run, and put his body in a position to make a play. Has good awareness and instincts for where the play is going to occur. Here is an example of Ya-sin with a pick against Tulsa:

Ya-Sin was stingy in man to man coverages, and found creative ways to isolate the receiver and take him out of the play. Ya-Sin did only play one season of FBS level football, however he made the most of that opportunity leading the team in passes broken up. He has the ability to produce game changing plays.

Ya-Sin is still a raw talent to some respect, and with more coaching and technique he has the potential to turn into a special player at the pro level.

Is He A Fit For the 49ers?

Well, I suppose it depends on if Rock Ya-Sin fits the mold that this current 49ers regime seeks at the position. You might say he falls just short of those numbers, but then again, the team did just sign Jason Verrett in free agency. What I like about Ya-Sin is his physical tools, his ability to isolate receivers, and deflect passes thrown in his direction. Ya-sin is coachable, and as I mentioned earlier, with some more technique and polishing, he can be a starting caliber corner at the next level. His physical and tough presence on the field, along with his disruptive tendencies in the secondary, and willingness to go the extra yard is everything a GM should want out of a prospect. He will only add more competition and flair to a position of need. Ya-Sin’s draft projections are a bit all over the place at the moment. A recent mock draft had him going in the back end of the first round, while other mocks have him going in the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th rounds. At this point in time I like Ya-Sin going in the middle of day two, perhaps the backend of the second round. There is, of course, the chance he drops to the 49ers third round selection. If the 49ers are looking to address cornerback in the 3^rd round, I believe rock Ya-Sin should a consideration for that pick.

What are YOUR thoughts on Rock Ya-Sin? Would you trade back in the second round or consider him in the 3^rd round? Please share in the comments below!