For reserves and backups, especially undrafted rookies, it certainly helps to double on various positions or at least to be a solid contributor on special teams.
First-year defensive back Derrick Canteen falls into that category.
The undrafted rookie out of Cincinnati, who bounced around at the collegiate level, didn't originally sign with the San Francisco 49ers immediately after the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, the Niners opted to pounce on him the following May, a move to help give depth to their secondary with a player who could fill a number of roles.
At 5-foot-10 and 193 pounds, it might be easy to lump Canteen into the nickel cornerback category, potentially someone who can push fellow rookie (albeit a third-round draftee) Upton Stout toward actually seizing the No. 1 spot on the depth chart there, which San Francisco certainly wouldn't mind.
But Canteen is more than just a developing slot corner.
From his pre-Cincinnati profile on NFL Draft Diamonds:
"Derrick Canteen is a versatile DB at Virginia Tech who transferred from Georgia Southern this season. He shows good route recognition and has a knack for getting to the ball."
During his final collegiate year, the defensive back tallied 44 tackles over 12 games played, three of which were for a loss, along with five passes broken up, an interception and a forced fumble.
Those positives won't exactly telegraph a roster spot to him, though.
Derrick Canteen faces uphill battle to make 49ers' 53-man roster
Even if Stout winds up completely being overwhelmed during training camp and in the preseason, the 49ers have plenty of other contingency plans.
Veteran Tre Brown, who saw time with the first-team defense during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, has an inside track to be Stout's primary competition and would likely secure the top nickel spot if Stout isn't ready.
Additionally, other veterans like Dallis Flowers, Chase Lucas and Darrell Luter Jr. have a much stronger case for a roster spot than the undrafted rookie.
It'll take far more than just some positional versatility to boost Canteen's stock value between now and roster cuts, likely a few defensive backs listed above him either suffering an injury or completely flaming out during camp to open up the door for the former Bearcat.
That said, it wouldn't be a shocker if the Niners view the undrafted free-agent pickup as a long-term developmental piece, worthy of stashing away on the practice squad with the hope of making bigger contributions in 2026 and beyond.
