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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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. 2: Cornerback Will Redmond

Another redshirt player on this list, cornerback Will Redmond is a player with a lot on the prove-it list this season.

Redmond, selected in Round 3 of the 2016 NFL Draft, also was dealing with an ACL injury from the collegiate ranks. And as was the case with so many of Trent Baalke’s “All-ACL” picks, he wasn’t able to make an impact in year one.

On one hand, Redmond’s collegiate talent could have been good enough to warrant first-round consideration if he stayed healthy.

And it’s this talent level the Niners are hoping for this season.

Redmond will probably compete with cornerback K’Waun Williams for the nickel cornerback position. The 49ers brought Williams, who also missed 2016, in to fill this position. This outcome isn’t likely to be determined until training camp.

But if Redmond wins, he’ll still have to prove he can stick through a full season and emerge as a solid member for San Francisco’s secondary.