49ers: Player locks for San Francisco's starting positions in 2018

San Francisco 49ers: Player locks for starting positions in 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Ahkello Witherspoon #41 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during their game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Cornerback

Left Corner: Ahkello Witherspoon

Nickel Corner: K’Waun Williams

Cornerback figures to be a top need for the 49ers this offseason, as general manager John Lynch will look to find an upgrade over No. 2 corner Dontae Johnson — a pending free agent.

One of the outside spots is all but locked down, though, as rookie Ahkello Witherspoon finished strong and posted 28 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions in just 12 games, nine of them starts.

Witherspoon, despite a sluggish start, appears to be a solid lock to assume one of the two starting duties in San Francisco’s defense in 2018.

And while the opposite side remains open, the Niners are all but guaranteed to continue starting K’Waun Williams at nickel.

Williams had some coverage issues early this season. But he finished the year strong, eventually earning a 74.8 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. And with the 49ers inking him to a three-year extension last year, he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.