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Ahkello Witherspoon: Why 49ers cornerback will have a breakout year in 2018

By Florito Maniego

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after breaking up a pass to Dede Westbrook #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after breaking up a pass to Dede Westbrook #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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After an impressive rookie season, the trajectory for San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon is heading nowhere but upwards. With another offseason coming up, Niner Noise discusses why Witherspoon will have a breakout year in 2018.

The 49ers’ 2017 draft class has been nothing short of impressive since entering the NFL. Despite their rookie status, most of these players quickly developed and still made a huge impact to the team.

One player who quietly put together a strong season is Colorado’s Ahkello Witherspoon, who was drafted by San Francisco in the third round.

Out of all rookies drafted by the 49ers, Witherspoon took the most snaps throughout the 2017 regular season.

According to the team website, Witherspoon’s 771 total snaps were the most within San Francisco’s draft picks. The 49ers’ cornerback notably had more snaps than first-round picks Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster.

Witherspoon worked his way up to a starting role for San Francisco and immediately contributed as the No. 1 cornerback. The California native finished the season with nine total starts out of 12 games played.

In 2017, Witherspoon recorded 32 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defended and one forced fumble.

Pro Football Focus gave Witherspoon an overall grade of 81.1 for his rookie season. Witherspoon ranked as the fifth-highest third-round pick and No. 42 of all NFL cornerbacks in 2017 based on PFF grades:

Bleacher Report also listed Witherspoon as the 33rd best cornerback of 2017, with an overall grade of 70 out of 100.

With his solid rookie campaign, Witherspoon successfully increased his value to the team. Thus, fans can expect the cornerback to take more snaps come the 2018 season.

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Now that he has gained starting experience, Witherspoon should only continue to improve. Especially with an entire offseason to develop his skills and bulk up, Witherspoon could potentially have a breakout year in 2018.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Witherspoon has the ideal body frame to effectively cover big receivers around the league.

Especially since San Francisco is set to face the likes of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas during the 2018 season, a lengthy cornerback like Witherspoon is a must.

During his rookie season, Witherspoon showcased his man-to-man coverage abilities and quick feet. A prime example is his interception of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles in Week 16 of the 2017 season.

The interception also displayed his playmaking and ballhawking prowess.

Despite showing flashes of his ball skills, Witherspoon still needs improvement in his zone coverage. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh relies on many Cover 2 plays and Witherspoon is often slow when blanketing receivers.

With a lanky frame, tackling has often been an issue for Witherspoon as well. By working on his strength this offseason, Witherspoon should become a more formidable threat to wide receivers league-wide.

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Witherspoon, however, has not fallen short of displaying his toughness and grit on the field.

Being drafted in the third round, it is safe to say that San Francisco acquired an absolute steal with Witherspoon. As long as he continues to work hard and hone his craft, the 49ers’ cornerback is set to have a bright future in the NFL.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: 5 cornerbacks the 49ers should consider taking

Once he becomes more acclimated with Saleh’s Cover 2 defense, develops into a shut-down No. 1 cornerback and improves his physical attributes, Witherspoon should be a huge problem for opposing offenses come next season.