49ers training camp: Re-projecting cornerback depth chart
By Peter Panacy
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
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