Chip Kelly provides insight into 49ers’ draft thinking

After the draft, general manager Trent Baalke offered a vague explanation for cramming the cornerback cupboard.

On Friday, however, head coach Chip Kelly provided a bit more insight into the 49ers’ draft-room thinking when he was discussing defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil and his scheme.

[...] O’Neil is a disciple of Bills head coach Rex Ryan, who has relied on an aggressive, pressure-stuffed scheme that places an onus on cornerbacks to hold up in man-to-man coverage.

During his 11 seasons as an NFL head coach or defensive coordinator, Ryan’s defenses have included Pro Bowl corners in Samari Rolle (Ravens), Chris McAlister (Ravens), Darrelle Revis (Jets), Lito Sheppard (Jets) and Antonio Cromartie (Jets).

In Cleveland, where O’Neil spent the past two seasons as a defensive coordinator under Mike Pettine, another Ryan devotee, the Browns had a Pro Bowl corner in Joe Haden.

Redmond only played one full season in his seven-start college career because of a suspension tied to his recruitment and an ACL tear he sustained in October.

Redmond, who is expected to start his career in the slot, was deemed the nation’s best senior corner before the 2015 season by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper.