Predicting the San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup in 2017
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback
The 49ers have two up-and-coming cornerbacks already on their roster, and this position has to be considered one of the few strengths San Francisco has moving into next season.
Don’t expect the Niners to add defensive backs in the NFL Draft this offseason — unless general manager Trent Baalke is still here and does his usual secondary restocking.
There is a bit of a logjam at this position though. We should assume defensive back Jimmie Ward holds down an outside spot in base formations, which is what the Niners have done with him most of the season. And he’ll move to cover the slot in nickel formations as well.
And rookie Rashard Robinson has been a bright spot in an otherwise dismal year.
The big question is what to do with veteran corner Tramaine Brock.
Per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus, Brock is having a phenomenal year when he’s not getting burned. When he does get beat, it’s bad. But it’s not happening often:
Tramaine Brock is allowing 17.4 yards per catch and has surrendered 5 TD, but his 45.7% burn rate is best among NFL CBs with 200+ cov snaps.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) November 10, 2016
Brock is signed through 2017 on the cheap. So it doesn’t make too much sense to cut him heading into next season. Will he start though.
In nickel packages, yes.