Richard Sherman: Gauging the cornerback’s impact on 49ers defense
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers inked All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman on Saturday. Now it’s time to figure out what kind of impact he’ll have on the defense this season and beyond.
Cornerback Richard Sherman is a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
There’s a sentence I never thought I’d write.
Love him or hate him, there are a lot of reasons why signing Sherman to a three-year deal makes sense. Even though he’ll be 30 years old later this month, the three-time All-Pro easily becomes the best cornerback on the Niners roster.
San Francisco 49ers
For reference, Sherman owned an 82.7 Pro Football Focus grade last year. The 49ers’ top corner from 2017, Ahkello Witherspoon, was graded at 81.1.
Witherspoon is the future, of course, but Sherman can help with that. And a three-year deal isn’t exactly a long commitment, considering the veteran is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury last year.
The Niners hope he’ll be recovered in time for training camp. If so, let’s take a look at what kind of impact he’ll have for coordinator Robert Saleh and San Francisco’s defense.
Ideal Scheme Fit for Richard Sherman
It’s important to note Saleh operates the same defensive concepts he learned while he was the Seattle Seahawks’ linebackers coach under former D-coordinator Gus Bradley, who took Saleh with him to the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014 through 2016.
The defensive concept is a 4-3 Under base with Cover 3 coverage schemes. It calls for as many as eight defenders in the box, with three defensive backs patrolling the secondary — a single-high safety and two corners.
Sherman thrived in this defense in Seattle. The transition should be an easy one.
When loaded with talent, this kind of defense can lock down opponents’ offenses. It’s why the Seahawks defense was one of the best in the NFL from 2011 through 2015. The Jaguars are experiencing that success right now.
The 49ers lack enough elite-level defenders to be at that level. But Sherman helps answer that. When he’s on, he locks down an entire section of the field. That forces offenses to shift their attack elsewhere.
And it’s always easier for a defense to focus on a smaller area.
The Added Benefits
Sherman’s on-field impact goes beyond schemes, Xs and Os.
Remember, the Niners are a young team. They led the NFL in rookie snap counts last year. Most players on San Francisco’s roster have never sniffed the playoffs. Sherman has — five times, to be exact.
Understanding preparation, technique, reads and all the other details that go into building a championship-caliber defense shouldn’t be underestimated. Sherman can help there.
Richard Sherman can change this entire SF defense. DeForest Buckner and the front 7 will get more pressure up front. This young secondary is getting a coach on the field. 25 is now the leader of the 49ers. If it pans out, huge day for this organization
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) March 11, 2018
Additionally, Sherman joining the 49ers only serves to reinforce how serious the Niners are about building a long-term powerhouse. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was the last major step in accomplishing this.
Sherman is the next one.
This will help lure in other free agents, from which San Francisco can still benefit.
On the field, we’ll see how well Sherman holds up as he begins to look at the latter stages of his career.
Next: Which free-agent edge rushers are left for 49ers to target?
For now, though, there’s a good chance this move helps turn the Niners defense into a top unit this season.