No. 5: Cornerback Rashard Robinson
Remember when Pro Football Focus ranked cornerback Rashard Robinson the No. 5 rookie in the NFL heading into Week 7 last season?
Robinson was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2016 year for San Francisco.
And while the fourth-round pickup suffered a bit of a drop late in the year, his eight pass breakups and 67.8 PFF coverage grade do suggest he’ll be a solid contributor within the Niners secondary in coming seasons.
Here’s another thing to consider — young defensive backs tend to struggle adjusting from college to the pros.
Fellow defensive back Jimmie Ward, also on this list, is a perfect example. His rookie campaign was ugly. Since the midway point of 2015 however, Ward has been a bright spot.
The 49ers should hope for similar development out of Robinson this year.