Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon
The 49ers have one of their two starting cornerback positions set.
Rookie Ahkello Witherspoon’s maturation continues to be fun to watch. After a sluggish start in training camp and being regularly inactive earlier this season, Witherspoon has developed into a solid shutdown corner in recent weeks.
And he made Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles’ life hell in Week 16, at least according to Pro Football Focus (h/t The Athletic’s David Lombardi):
Per @PFF, Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles rating into 49ers CB Ahkello Witherspoon’s coverage: 17.9
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) December 25, 2017
A big INT for the rookie
Witherspoon logged three tackles, two passes defended and an interception. That pick, while a terrible throw from Bortles and, possibly, some miscommunication with his receivers, saw Witherspoon in perfect position to take advantage of the turnover:
Unlike the guy he replaced, former 49ers corner Rashard Robinson, Witherspoon is getting stronger as his rookie season moves along.
He’s a solid part of the future, no doubt.