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San Francisco 49ers: Position-by-Position Prediction of 2016 Roster in Advance of Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) pass protects in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dontae Johnson (36) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dontae Johnson (36) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback (6)

Tramaine Brock, Kenneth Acker, Jimmie Ward (nickel), Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser, Marcus Cromartie

Cornerback Tramaine Brock remains the established No. 1 guy at this position. But the No. 2 slot is wide open for competition.

The 49ers seemed comfortable sliding two-year veteran Kenneth Acker into that position at the start of 2015, but his play sloughed off towards the tail end of the season. This gave way to an increased number of snaps for guys like Dontae Johnson and Marcus Cromartie.

Johnson’s size it what makes him enticing. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, he’s more of an ideal matchup against some of the bigger receivers the 49ers will face in 2016. So, despite being lower on the depth chart, he’ll see plenty of playing time.

Nickel corner Jimmie Ward will also get a sizable number of snaps given the prevalence of three-wide offensive formations in today’s NFL. Ward also ranks in as a safety, so the 49ers have some flexibility in their defensive backfield.

And it helps Ward put in a nice follow-up season to his otherwise forgettable rookie year in 2014.

Next: Safety