Singletary: Hudson a better fit in Panthers' D

New Panthers cornerback/special teamer Marcus Hudson should be a better fit for the "Cover 2" defense Carolina employs than he was in San Francisco's 3-4 scheme, says 49ers coach Mike Singletary.

"The more physical he can be, the better," Singletary told the Observer during the NFL meetings in Orlando, Fla., last month. "In terms of (playing in) more of a Cover 2, Tampa 2, I think he would really excel. I think it gives him an opportunity to compete and use his tools a little bit more."

Cover 2 corners generally are called upon extensively in run support and to play press coverage on receivers at the line of scrimmage.

"He's a great special teams guy," said Singletary, adding that Hudson can play cornerback or safety and is "very valuable" in the nickel and dime defensive packages.

Hudson, a former N.C. State standout, was a restricted free agent who wasn't tendered by the 49ers and subsequenbtly signed with the Panthers. He played in 58 games for the 49ers over the past four years, but had no starts.

"We just felt right now (because) we knew Marcus wanted to play, and the position he played, we were pretty good in those areas and he was looking behind someone all the time, we wanted to give him an opportunity," Singletary said.

-- Charles Chandler