Predicting 49ers 2016 53-Man Roster After OTAs

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January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) runs the football during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback

Jimmie Ward– Jim O’Neil recently called Ward one of the 49ers’ best 11 players on defense. Aside from Lynch and Bowman, Ward is likely the best player on defense. His versatility makes him incredibly valuable. He’ll play everywhere on the field in 2016.

Dontae Johnson– He’s long and the 49ers face big receivers in the NFC West. Johnson has looked good in limited time. Perhaps this coaching staff will give him a legitimate chance to start.

Rashard Robinson– He hasn’t played football in over a year but he is athletically one of the best on the team. He has major upside if he can stay committed on the field.

Kenneth Acker– A starter from last season, Acker stays around as a valuable depth piece.

Keith Reaser– Reaser played minimally last year but he is entering just his second season fully-healthy. He’ll provide depth for a defense that will get tired.

Tramaine Brock– The veteran in the room, Brock certainly has a roster spot locked up. Whether he starts or not is another story.

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Note: Will Redmond should start the season on injured reserve. The team can designate him as the player to return at any point. Regardless of what the team says, I don’t see an injured player competing late in the summer for playing time.

Starters: Expect Ward and Johnson to start at boundary corner and Brock to enter in nickel packages. Ward will move inside to cover the slot. Robinson may push Johnson to start, but he has a lot to learn as a rookie that hasn’t played in awhile.

Next: Safeties