49ers: 5 San Francisco players who will rise during training camp

San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who will rise in training camp

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Aldrick Robinson #19 of the Atlanta Falcons runs after a catch against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Will Redmond SAN DIEGO, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Will Redmond #23 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Dom Williams #7 of the San Diego Chargers during a preseason game at Qualcomm Stadium on September 1, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Will Redmond, DB

The 49ers drafted Will Redmond in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the expectation that he would be ready to play by training camp last season. And while he played in the preseason, ultimately he ended up on injured reserve.

With the addition of free-agent pickup K’Waun Williams to the secondary, Redmond and Williams will battle each other in camp for the starting slot corner position.

Redmond has ideal speed and quick feet, plays well in man-to-man coverage, which will be an integral part of Robert Saleh’s defense in 2017.

He also has the ability to close on the ball and is aggressive in challenging catches, to pair with an attacking style in run support when necessary.

During training camp, look for Redmond, Williams and Keith Reaser to compete for slot work, and my money is on Redmond to emerge as the starter.