49ers Training Camp position-by-position breakdown

Cornerback Breakdown

The 49ers defensive backs are relatively weak. The 49ers lost two above-average cornerbacks via free agency in Chris Culliver (to the Washington Redskins) and Perrish Cox (to the Tennessee Titans). Both of these players would have been nice to keep, but considering their new salaries, this would not have been easy, if even feasible, for the 49ers to pull off, considering their new salaries.

Instead, the solid Tramaine Brock and below-average stopgap Shareece Wright, a newcomer via free agency from the San Diego Chargers, will likely be manning the outside as the 49ers’ cornerbacks. Brock is a great player and will only improve with time. Wright should not be starting anywhere in the NFL but will more than likely have to do as the 49ers struggle to replenish their defensive secondary. Chris Cook is similar to Wright, in that both are good backups but poor starters.

Dontae Johnson will be another substitute at cornerback for the 49ers and will work in a pinch, but he, too, is not that great.

Players fighting for a roster spot include rookie Mylan Hicks along with decent backup Marcus Cromartie and Keith Reaser, Leon McFadden, and Kenneth Ackner.

Jimmie Ward may make a transition to cornerback at some point this season, too, if need be. He was drafted to be an eventual corner, though he has mainly been a third safety and slot corner thus far in his short career. If Wright fails to perform up to par, don’t be surprised if Ward gets the call to finally see if he can play in isolation or on the outside.

Next: Safety Breakdown