Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 10 Dark-Horse Candidates to Make the 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

November 14, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Ugo Amadi (14, left) is called for defensive pass interference against Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Cardinal 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 14, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Ugo Amadi (14, left) is called for defensive pass interference against Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Cardinal 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next
December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Marcus Cromartie (47, left) deflects the football away from Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Marcus Cromartie (47, left) deflects the football away from Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7: Cornerback Marcus Cromartie

Like wide receiver, the 49ers cornerback position is one of depth intrigue behind likely starters Jimmie Ward and Tramaine Brock.

The offseason drafting of Will Redmond, Rashard Robinson and Prince Charles Iworah add further competition to a group that’s already crowded.

In this scenario, third-year pro Marcus Cromartie may not have the best of chances to crack the 53-man roster this season. Last year, Cromartie appeared in eight games though and managed two pass breakups and nine tackles.

Cromartie’s pro-level experience may give him a leg up on some of the younger defensive backs, especially guys like Iworah, but it’s still going to be a tough climb.

According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the 49ers experimented with Cromartie at safety during OTAs recently. It makes sense, because flexibility is never a bad thing, but San Francisco already has depth players at this position too — Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, L.J. McCray and Jered Bell.

I recall Barrows saying, last year, the 49ers liked something in Cromartie though, so perhaps these feelings resonate over into 2016.

If so, Cromartie will still have to beat out fellow corners like Iworah, Keith Reaser and, probably, a more experienced defensive back like Dontae Johnson or Kenneth Acker.

Unlikely as it seems, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Niners tried to stash him at the tail end of the depth chart either.

Next: No. 6: Jason Fanaika