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49ers preseason: 5 players to watch in Week 2

By Robert Smith

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 17: Players from the San Francisco 49ers take the field before the preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium on August 17, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 17: Players from the San Francisco 49ers take the field before the preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium on August 17, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Chris Conley #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs is upended by defensive back Lorenzo Jerome #49 of the San Francisco 49ers after making a catch during the 1st quarter of the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Chris Conley #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs is upended by defensive back Lorenzo Jerome #49 of the San Francisco 49ers after making a catch during the 1st quarter of the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Defensive Back Lorenzo Jerome

Truth be told, I am a fan of Lorenzo Jerome, and am rooting for this small school (St. Francis, PA) undrafted free-agent standout to be among the final 53 on the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.

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As training camp has continued, injuries have hit the defensive backfield.

Presumptive starting free safety Jimmie Ward is still on the PUP list, nursing a hamstring injury, and Jaquiski Tartt just returned to practice after suffering a rib injury early on in camp.

And after losing another impressive UDFA in Chanceller James for the season with an ACL injury in Week 1 of the preseason, the opportunity for Jerome is right in front of him.

He continues to have a nose for the ball, after intercepting another pass this past Monday in practice. Jerome has natural instincts when it comes to locating the ball and making plays in the secondary.

He has some playmaking skills reminiscent of Seattle Seahawks’ Earl Thomas, and a similar build as well.

Simply put, Jerome is a better football player than an athlete. But if he can continue his solid play in Week 2 of preseason against the Broncos, a spot on the 53-man roster should be his.