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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting Each Prospect’s Role in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Cody Core (88) reaches for the end zone as he score a touchdown in front of LSU Tigers defensive back Rashard Robinson (21) in the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Cody Core (88) reaches for the end zone as he score a touchdown in front of LSU Tigers defensive back Rashard Robinson (21) in the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Rashard Robinson-Cornerback

Fourth Round Selection-No. 133 Overall

Rashard Robinson is the corner that was selected and may actually contribute significantly in 2016. The cornerback position on the 49ers is wide open in terms of who starts in 2016.

Do they have a ton of players at the position? Absolutely. But having players doesn’t mean you have guys that should start every weekend. If anything, the 49ers’ actions in the draft made that clear.

Robinson will come in and compete as one of the boundary corners in 2016. After playing in the SEC–well, he played some games in the SEC awhile ago–Robinson has faced the top-notch competition and he proved able and willing to mix it up with big-bodied receivers.

Tramaine Brock hasn’t continually earned his starting corner spot. If anything, he’s shown that he shouldn’t have the spot. Kenneth Acker had a rocky year in 2015 but he showed improvements and will warrant another shot. Dontae Johnson has everything you’d love but he hasn’t found a way to get on the field. Keith Reaser may never be more than a quality backup. Marcus Cromartie and Chris Davis played surprisingly well in spot-starts and even they are in the mix.

All of that is to say that they’ve got a ton of bodies and almost no guarantees. The cornerback position will be the best battle in training camp. I expect Robinson to win one of the starting positions by Week 5 and he won’t look back. The 49ers have a corner with a swagger and attitude they need.

Next: Ronald Blair