49ers: 5 second-year players with the most to prove in 2017

San Francisco 49ers: 5 second-year players with the most to prove in 2017

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) talks with wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Niner Noise takes a look at five second-year players for the San Francisco 49ers with a lot to prove during the upcoming 2017 season.

The San Francisco 49ers continue to work towards the restructuring of their roster heading into 2017, although there are a number of holdovers from the Trent Baalke era.

General manager John Lynch has already made it known the franchise won’t let previous draft classes affect the way he assembles the roster this year and beyond.

And while this approach has affected a number of roster decisions, others will certainly be pending after this season.

In this slideshow, we take a look at five second-year players with a lot to prove in this upcoming campaign and why.

For whatever reason, injury or setback, these players need to showcase why they’re worth keeping around beyond this season.

Let’s start off with a player who will be competing for one of only a handful of spots along a crowded defensive line, Ronald Blair.