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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting rookie stat lines in 2017

By Logan Stanley

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Solomon Thomas of Stanford poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers (from Bears) during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Solomon Thomas of Stanford poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #3 overall by the San Francisco 49ers (from Bears) during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Darren Carrington II #7 of the Oregon Ducks late in the fourth quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. Colorado won the game 41-38. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 24: Defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Darren Carrington II #7 of the Oregon Ducks late in the fourth quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. Colorado won the game 41-38. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon

As it stands, there’s only one entrenched starter among the San Francisco cornerbacks: second-year man Rashard Robinson. Behind him, it’s a battle for playing time. And Witherspoon will be right in the mix of it.

It’ll be between Witherspoon, Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser for fighting it out over cornerback. The high draft capital used on Witherspoon, a third-round selection, obviously indicates a liking of the player.

During his last season at Colorado, Witherspoon was one of the most impactful cornerbacks in the nation when it came to pass coverage. According to the NCAA database, Witherspoon was tied for top in the nation for passes defended.

I believe that Witherspoon will wind up winning the No. 2 corner slot, and line up opposite of Robinson for this upcoming season.

Prediction — 16 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 25 tackles, 2 tackles for loss