Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-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

Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson, Jimmie Ward (nickel), Kenneth Acker, Will Redmond, Rashard Robinson

As noted on the previous slide, the cornerback position will have a major impact on what happens at safety — largely due to the versatility and growth of third-year defensive back Jimmie Ward.

Ward will probably occupy his nickel slot this season which, technically, isn’t a starting gig in standard defensive packages. But seeing how many sub packages are being employed on defenses now, the nickel back position is just as important.

Veteran Tramaine Brock will likely assume the No. 1 spot although, as Niner Noise staff writer Jerod Brown pointed out, there’s a good possibility he loses his starting job this season.

Maybe that happens down the line but, for now, let’s assume Brock holds onto his spot. But the No. 2 corner position sees a change. Third-year pro Dontae Johnson finally gets the edge here over Kenneth Acker.

Acker had more snaps than Johnson last season (823 to 380) but posted a minus-0.3 overall grade compared to Johnson’s plus-0.2, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Plus, Johnson’s 6’2″, 200-pound frame is something the Niners might like to have on the field on a more consistent basis.

The 49ers will want to see what they have in rookie corners Will Redmond and Rashard Robinson. Neither will come close to starting — barring injury — but these two will get some chances.

This means third-year pro Keith Reaser might be pushed out of the picture.

Next: Linebacker