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San Francisco 49ers: Identifying 5 Cornerstone Players on 2017 Roster

By Peter Panacy

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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.