San Francisco 49ers: Early 53-man roster predictions for 2018
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback (6)
Left Corner: Richard Sherman, Tarvarus McFadden
Right Corner: Ahkello Witherspoon, Tarvarius Moore
Nickel Corner: K’Waun Williams, D.J. Reed
As long as All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman is fully healed and ready from his 2017 Achilles injury, he’ll be pegged as the 49ers’ No. 1 corner heading into this season. But for the depth behind him, it’s anyone’s guess.
San Francisco 49ers
Second-year pro Ahkello Witherspoon, who posted a solid 81.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade last year, appears to be the favorite to start opposite Sherman.
No concerns there, although the Niners made things interesting by taking former Souther Miss safety Tarvarius Moore in Round 4 of the NFL Draft. Moore, 6-foot-2, has the body type ideal for a single-high Cover 3 defense. And San Francisco is more than willing to transition him to corner.
But that will take adjustment, and it’s not uncommon for rookie defensive backs to struggle from the college ranks to the pros. Never mind the part about switching positions.
Still, Moore’s upside is good enough to a secure a roster spot. And with Jimmie Ward more than capable playing on the outside, the 49ers won’t be pressured into pushing Moore up the depth chart.
The nickel position is worth watching. The veteran, K’Waun Williams, gets the start. But it wouldn’t be a shock to see fifth-round draft pick D.J. Reed take over the top role at some point during the season.