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

By Peter Panacy

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Will Redmond (2) blocks a pass to Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Vince Sanders (10) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Will Redmond (2) blocks a pass to Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Vince Sanders (10) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback Will Redmond

See the previous slide (and the second one) for the context of San Francisco’s cornerback situation entering this year.

The only difference is former Mississippi State corner Will Redmond is still recovering from a collegiate ACL tear — here’s your Trent Baalke special.

Redmond went through rehab work during OTAs and minicamp, which means he’ll be behind in his development for 2016. That’s not a good thing, but it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world either.

If healthy, Redmond is a likely candidate for the slot corner position — a move which could place fellow defensive back Jimmie Ward into an outside role.

Projection

Health and recovery are the key factors here. Redmond’s development is as well. Should the 49ers feel as if the rookie isn’t coming along, it’s likely Redmond will wind up being stashed on the non-football injury list his rookie season.

Yet it’s possible he emerges as a slot corner if his recovery and production is satisfactory enough during camp.

Next: Joshua Garnett