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49ers training camp: Re-projecting cornerback depth chart

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 08: Justin Davis #22 of the USC Trojans cuts back on Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 08: Justin Davis #22 of the USC Trojans cuts back on Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Ahkello Witherspoon

San Francisco used a third-round draft pick on former Colorado cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in the 2017 NFL Draft. And like many rookie defensive backs, Witherspoon has struggled early on in training camp.

Just like this play, as shown by Niners Wire’s Rob Lowder:

Witherspoon has the tools to be an effective corner at the NFL level. His 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame is ideal, and he flashed plenty of coverage abilities at the collegiate level.

But Witherspoon lacks tenacity on the field and could use some improvements against the run.

Remember No. 1 corner Rashard Robinson’s tenacity? Well, there’s Witherspoon’s mentor.

Witherspoon is all but guaranteed a roster spot, but he’ll be buried deep on the depth chart for now. That’s fine. He’s a work in progress, and the Niners hope he can develop his skill set en route to being a starter at some point in the future.

Next: 49ers training camp: Bubble-watch roster projections

Stay tuned to Niner Noise as we continue breaking down news and reports from training camp and the preseason!