Niner Noise
FanSided

5 problems the San Francisco 49ers will face in 2017

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Anthony Hitchens #59 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks quarterback Blaine Gabbert #2 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Anthony Hitchens #59 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks quarterback Blaine Gabbert #2 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 04: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the football that was blocked on the Chicago Bears punt return in the second quarter at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 04: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the football that was blocked on the Chicago Bears punt return in the second quarter at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 49ers Cornerback Depth

Sticking with our secondary theme, another major concern is how well San Francisco’s cornerback depth will hold up.

Rashard Robinson is slated as the No. 1 corner this season. This isn’t a problem, although it could be if he’s hurt. The reason is simple — the 49ers don’t have likable depth behind him.

It appears as if Dontae Johnson has earned the initial spot as No. 2 corner. But Johnson’s production since being drafted in 2014 has fallen off. And his immediate competition, Keith Reaser, hasn’t been particularly effective either.

KNBR 680’s Kevin Jones pointed out how this could be an issue:

With rookie corner Ahkello Witherspoon a long ways away from being capable of starting, the Niners will be forced to roll with what they have.

Aside from Robinson, it’s not the ideal situation.