2018 NFL free agency: Predicting which players the 49ers re-sign or let walk

Cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and Asa Jackson

As with the pass rush, cornerback figures to be a high-priority need for the 49ers in 2018. The Niners have one corner in place, Ahkello Witherspoon, but they’ll need another outside body to line up either at No. 1 or No. 2.

Last year, veteran corner Dontae Johnson held the second spot. And it’s pretty safe to say he was a liability.

So much so, Pro Football Focus ranked him No. 118 out of 121 qualifying cornerbacks in 2017. And anyone who watched Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins burn Johnson regularly back in Week 14 can understand why.

Johnson, another holdover from the Trent Baalke era, doesn’t have a good future in San Francisco as he nears free agency. It wouldn’t be a shock to see John Lynch use one of his first two or three picks to nab a top-tier defensive back.

This would certainly push Johnson out of a starting job, possibly off the roster altogether.

Meanwhile, backup corner Asa Jackson has a slightly better chance. He appeared in only four games during the year, eventually landing on injured reserve late in the season. And while his 61.2 overall PFF grade isn’t great, he might be worth keeping around for depth purposes this season.

Prediction: The 49ers let Dontae Johnson walk, while Asa Jackson returns on a one-year deal.