San Francisco 49ers: Predicting the future at cornerback in 2018
By Peter Panacy
The Underachievement of Dontae Johnson and K’Waun Williams
Here’s a stat that’s a bit concerning.
Niners cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and K’Waun Williams are ranked Nos. 106 and 116 out of 118 qualifying cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus.
Also according to PFF, opposing quarterbacks are posting a passer rating of 107.1 when targeting Johnson. Williams isn’t experiencing much better luck, as opponent QB ratings average out to 103.5 when targets are coming his way.
Interestingly enough, the Niners extended Williams through the 2020 season. Sure, the 5-foot-9 nickel corner played notably well back in 2014 and 2015 before missing all of last year with an ankle injury. But the play hasn’t exactly translated over to the field this year.
Perhaps the 49ers are banking on Williams to return to his pre-2016 form. Let’s hope so, as it looks he’ll be in the picture for the foreseeable future.
As for Johnson, though, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent after this season. Unless San Francisco has zero luck bringing in cornerback talent via other means (free agency, the NFL Draft, etc.), it’s likely the Niners’ former fourth-round pick sticks with the team into next season.