Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers Stock Watch: Who’s Up and Down Midway through the 2016 Preseason?

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) congratulates running back Carlos Hyde (28) after his touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jimmie Ward (25) celebrates the touchdown of free safety Eric Reid (35) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up — 49ers Secondary

Veteran safety Antoine Bethea should be left out of this discussion, as he had some coverage and assignment issues versus Denver.

But the overwhelming majority of 49ers defensive backs looked pretty solid in their effort versus Denver. And this was kicked off by safety Eric Reid’s 42-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the first quarter of Saturday’s game.

Defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil (h/t Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News) will probably start corners Tramaine Brock and Jimmie Ward.

But cornerback Chris Davis has been a nice story as a candidate to occupy the nickel spot. He has three pass breakups so far this preseason.

And young corners like Rashard Robinson have also impressed. Even when Denver receivers were able to make receptions against the 49ers secondary, Niners defensive backs were rarely out of position.

If San Francisco’s defensive front seven is going to be aggressive this year, it’s good to know the 49ers coverage guys can handle their assignments.

Next: Stock Down: Marcus Martin