The San Francisco 49ers has a solid defense. In the 2013 season, the 49ers ranked fourth in opponent rushing yards per game and seventh opponent passing yards per game. However, there is always room to improve in a conference filled with the best defenses in the NFL.

In the 2014 NFL Draft, San Francisco took former N.C. State defensive back Dontae Johnson in the fourth round with the 129th overall pick. The 49ers have had a recent history of signing defensive backs. The team’s past two first-round picks have been defensive backs: safeties Eric Reid of Louisiana State in 2013 and Jimmie Ward of Northern Illinois in 2014.

Though these picks have undoubtedly strengthened the San Francisco secondary, Johnson’s arrival provides a different type of aid for the team. The former Wolfpacker may be the very definition of versatility. In high school, Johnson started at safety for Pennington Prep. At State, the New Jersey native switched to cornerback, but would occasionally revert to his high school position when needed.

With safeties Reid and Antoine Bethea in line to start at the safety spots, Johnson will likely get his first shot at playing time slotted in the cornerback position. In a press conference following the draft, Johnson said he would be satisfied with whatever the 49ers’ coaching staff asked of him.

“They just want me to come in and just be able to compete, bring in a great work ethic,” Johnson said. “Just get out there and compete and compete at corner. That’s just what I’ve been told. I’m going to go out there and play corner and it’s going to be great.”

Johnson also has a history with 49ers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh; when Johnson was a senior in high school, Harbaugh offered him a scholarship to Stanford. However, Johnson declined, as he said Palo Alto, Calif. was simply “too far from home.”

The familiarity between the two plays strongly in Johnson’s favor. If he puts in the effort in camp, Wolfpack fans may see a familiar face in the San Francisco backfield as early as Week 1.