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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, impact after 2017 NFL Draft

By James LeBreton

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23) intercepts the ball against Oregon Ducks wide receiver Darren Carrington II (7) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon (23) intercepts the ball against Oregon Ducks wide receiver Darren Carrington II (7) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 66: Ahkello Witherspoon

At quick glance the 49ers have one of the youngest secondaries in the national football league. Add in the release of Tramaine Brock and the 49ers are starving for proven starters.

With pick number 66 in the third round, John Lynch may have remedied that situation. Ahkello Witherspoon is long, lanky, and athletic in build. Even more intriguing than his body frame is the most recent comparison to Richard Sherman.

He’s the perfect complement to Rashard Robinson, who just may be the starter on the other side of the field. At 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds he will have no problem posting up against the taller receivers in the league. His 33 inch arms will allow him to stay aggressive in the 49ers new look physical defense.

By surrendering only 28 catches on 88 targets, he’s the definition of a lock down corner. That’s a remarkable completion percentage of 31.8, and was good enough for fifth in the nation.

Last year, the 49ers secondary gave up a completion percentage of 61.8 percent as a unit. This is not a horrible unit. In fact, they were one of the few bright spots on the team overall.

However, with the exit of Brock this unit has been left with a huge question mark in terms of who can start and who provides good depth. Regardless of who steps up, there is always a need to get better. With the addition of Ahkello Witherspoon, the 49ers have done just that.

With his proven ability and coverage skills, Witherspoon could push for the starting job right away. With the lack of proven starters at the cornerback position, he may be forced to sooner than he thinks.

Prediction: Starting CB

Next: C.J. Beathard