49ers Preseason: Evaluating Bubble-Watch Players for Each Position
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback
Lock: Tramaine Brock, Rashard Robinson, Jimmie Ward
Looking Good: Dontae Johnson, Will Redmond
Strong Bubble: Kenneth Acker, Marcus Cromartie, Chris Davis
Weak Bubble: Prince Charles Iworah, Keith Reaser, Cleveland Wallace
From the safety position, with few pressing questions, to cornerback — a position with a good deal of unknowns.
San Francisco is going to start Tramaine Brock and Jimmie Ward as the team’s Nos. 1 and 2 cornerbacks, respectively. And there isn’t much wrong with that. But determining the nickel and depth roles gets a lot trickier.
Cornerback Chris Davis had a strong effort in the Niners’ preseason opener, and he could be a candidate for the nickel back position.
Third-year corner Keith Reaser has had coverage issues during offseason programs and also had up-and-down moments throughout the first preseason game versus Houston. Fellow corner Kenneth Acker also didn’t display much prowess in coverage.
Both have to be considered bubble-watch players at this point.
The Niners really like what they have in rookie Rashard Robinson, although fellow rookie Will Redmond’s injury recovery bumps him down a bit.
Cornerback Prince Charles Iworah, the 49ers’ final pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is likely going to be a practice squad addition.
Next: Linebacker