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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 2017 Starting Lineup after First Wave of NFL Free Agency

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) in the field during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) in the field during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback

Right Cornerback: Tramaine Brock

Left Cornerback: Rashard Robinson

Nickel Cornerback: K’Waun Williams

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense is likely going to put San Francisco’s cornerbacks on proverbial “islands” in 2017, which means coverage skills are more than just mandatory.

So far, the Niners’ only free-agent addition was slot corner K’Waun Williams.

Despite Williams’ 5-foot-9 stature, the 25 year old still managed to produce more than productive years in 2014 and 2015 before missing last year with an injury.

He’ll likely win the competition at nickel over second-year pro, and recovering ACL-injury corner, Will Redmond.

On the outside, the 49ers will still have to roll with veteran Tramaine Brock and second-year pro Rashard Robinson.

Robinson is certainly a part of the team’s future, although the Niners could probably stand an upgrade over Brock sooner rather than later.