San Francisco 49ers: Reevaluating 6 team needs in the 2018 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Cornerback
So much for former general manager Trent Baalke’s efforts to stockpile cornerbacks.
San Francisco has just one proven corner on its roster this season, Rashard Robinson, and even he hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype generated early in his rookie season.
Thus far, Robinson has posted a 34.9 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus, and an also-lowly 34.6 pass-coverage mark. Those aren’t good numbers by any interpretation, and one might start wondering if he’s actually a long-term answer.
PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS: The best in football stats just got better. Elite packages now on sale!
The 49ers also drafted former Colorado cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in Round 3 of this year’s draft. But after a slow start to training camp, Witherspoon has found himself inactive for all three games the Niners have played.
It’s possible San Francisco is easing its third-round investment into life at the NFL level — we’ve seen rookie defensive backs struggle early before — although the fact Witherspoon hasn’t worked his way into an active spot is a bit concerning.
So, if Robinson and/or Witherspoon continue to struggle, this need suddenly rises to the top of John Lynch’s wish list.