San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Prediction of the 2017 Starting Lineup
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback
Jimmie Ward
Rashard Robinson
Will Redmond (Nickel)
As stated on the previous slide, defensive back Jimmie Ward needed about a year to put to bed any notions of a first-round bust.
He’s now one of the better 49ers corners, and he’ll stay in a starting role into 2017.
But moving rookie cornerback Rashard Robinson up the depth chart makes sense too. At least based off what we’ve seen so far.
Despite his checkered collegiate past, Robinson is starting to show signs of being a shutdown corner. At least according to Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus:
Rashard Robinson played eight snaps in coverage and was not targeted. He's yet to see a pass his way in 31 coverage snaps this season #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) September 19, 2016
Who knows if Robinson keeps this up all season. But initial indications for the 6-foot-1 defensive back have been good.
This would, of course, push veteran corner Tramaine Brock out of the picture. But the Niners want to get their best defenders on the field. Robinson could easily take over that role.
Rookie Will Redmond is slated for slot duties, simply because the 49ers like to place developing corners into this role. They did it with Ward as well as Chris Culliver before.
Next: Linebacker