49ers: 2016 Depth Chart Prediction Amid Training Camp

Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Amid Training Camp

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

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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 /

Right Cornerback

V1.0 Assessment:

Starter: Jimmie Ward

Backup: Dontae Johnson

V2.0 Assessment:

No changes.

Even if defensive back Jimmie Ward doesn’t move away from his starting job in base formations, the tendency of NFL offenses to use more three-wide sets means Ward could still see a lot of time over the slot.

And this means an increase in snaps for cornerback Dontae Johnson.

One might think fellow corner Kenneth Acker would be the favorite here but, as David Fucillo of Niners Nation pointed out, Acker doesn’t particularly play well in press-man coverage — a scheme likely to be employed by defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil.

Acker fell out of favor late last season too, and Johnson’s 6-foot-2 frame makes him a more likable option.

Next: Right Inside Linebacker