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San Francisco 49ers: 5 early predictions for the 53-man roster

By Robert Smith

May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu (64) and defensive lineman Villami Latu (92) and defensive lineman James Duberg (90) and defensive lineman Jamar Simpkins (93) wait for a drill during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Noble Nwachukwu (64) and defensive lineman Villami Latu (92) and defensive lineman James Duberg (90) and defensive lineman Jamar Simpkins (93) wait for a drill during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Will Redmond (23) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Will Redmond (23) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Will Redmond will start at nickel cornerback

It’s been a long road back for Will Redmond after missing all of last season recovering from an ACL tear suffered in his final season at Mississippi State.

After being selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Redmond participated in training camp but ultimately was placed on injured reserve last season.

But by all accounts, including his own twitter account, Redmond is back and ready to compete for a starting job in the secondary:

View image on Twitter

View image on Twitter
View image on Twitter /

"Follow WillRed2 @ill_WILL___ They forgot about the kid BUT watch how the WAGON fill.. #RememberTheSteal@68 3:05 PM – 12 May 2017"

Redmond has all the physical tools and athleticism to be an impact player for the Niners next season. And even though the team has Keith Reaser, as well as K’waun Williams (signed as a free agent in the offseason), Redmond could be the man to beat if he can show he is healthy.

Redmond has excellent footwork and breaks well on the ball. He was excellent in man coverage at Mississippi State, and plays with physicality.

Redmond may be another All-ACL player from the Trent Baalke era, but his talent could make him a third-round steal ready to make a splash this season.

If he is able to bring that physicality and man-coverage skill set to this Niners’ defense, he could beat out Reaser, Williams  and Co. and slide into the starting lineup in the nickel role for San Francisco in 2017.