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San Francisco 49ers: Early predictions for 2017 depth chart, 53-man roster

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-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 /

Cornerback (5)

Right Cornerback: Rashard Robinson, Dontae Johnson

Left Cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon

Nickel Cornerback: K’Waun Williams, Will Redmond

Cover 3 defenses typically place cornerbacks in a lot of one-on-one coverages, and San Francisco will have to make do with a very young crop of guys on the outside.

No. 1 corner Rashard Robinson showed promise last season, although he fell off a bit down the stretch. Still, he’s the best option the Niners have to lock down opposing wide receivers.

To pair with him, the 49ers picked up former Colorado corner Ahkello Witherspoon in Round 3.

And as Niners Wire’s Rob Lowder put things, San Francisco has its starters now:

Slot corner K’Waun Williams was a nice free-agent pickup this offseason. But he missed his 2016 season due to injury, which is why the Niners give 2016 redshirt corner, third-round draftee Will Redmond, a chance to compete for the job.

The book isn’t quite closed on fourth-year pro Dontae Johnson, so he gets a backup job.

And seventh-round draft addition, Adrian Colbert, should wind up being a practice squad candidate.