The San Francisco 49ers will be one of the many teams across the league to open up OTAs this upcoming week as they head into the next stage of the offseason. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will be using OTAs as his first opportunity to evaluate the entire roster, which includes the rookie class.
OTAs also present an opportunity for certain players, such as vets or recent draft picks, to prove to the coaching staff why they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. Cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. fits into the latter category as the former fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has struggled to stay on the field.
With all the changes the 49ers had at cornerback this offseason, Luter could play an integral part in the secondary this season. However, a football player’s best ability is availability, which has not worked in the young cornerback’s favor.
49ers' Darrell Luter Needs to Prove His Worth at OTAs
The 6-foot, 193-pound cornerback has only played in 10 games over his first two years in the NFL, including seven as a rookie in 2023.
Before his rookie season began, the former South Alabama defender reportedly hyperextended his knee in OTAs, which forced him to be on the PUP list ahead of training camp with a bone bruise.
Luter missed the first nine games of the 2023 campaign but was eventually activated off injured reserve ahead of the 49ers’ Week 11 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Luter only had seven combined tackles in seven games as he spent most of his time on special teams (101 snaps) compared to defense (64 snaps).
After not playing much as a rookie, the 49ers likely hoped for Luter to play more last season in his second year. However, he could not shake the injury bug once again.
The former Day 3 pick was placed on injured reserve in November of last year because of a pelvis injury he sustained in practice. Before the late last season injury, Luter only appeared in three games as he was inactive for six contests between Weeks 1-10.
Nonetheless, Luter’s time to show that he can stay healthy and contribute in the secondary begins in OTAs.
Granted, he hasn’t had the best of luck with injury. However, with the 49ers not making many huge additions this offseason after losing Charvarius Ward, Nick McCloud, Isaac Yiadom, and Rock Ya-Sin, it opens the door for Luter to make the 53-man roster.
Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and rookie Upton Stout have strong chances to start in 2025. Meanwhile, the 49ers signed veteran Tre Brown to a one-year deal, but he has question marks, too. There’s no reason outside of health why Luter can’t be on the 53-man when Week 1 rolls around.