Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Biggest winners and losers from OTAs so far

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts to a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts to a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Winner: 49ers Secondary

Richard Sherman might not have been participating in actual practice, but that didn’t keep him from being on the field.

According to Matt Barrows, Jimmie Ward and Ahkello Witherspoon were the starting outside cornerbacks. Rookies Tarvarius Moore and Tarvarus McFadden worked primarily with the third-string unit.

And Sherman was mixed up with all of them:

“Coach Sherman,” if you will, wasn’t short on advice and tips for San Francisco’s young defensive backs.

“On the football side, he’s a great person, teaches me a lot, is very hands on and wants my game to get better,” Witherspoon later commented on Sherman, via Cam Inman.

With three first-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowls to his credit, the Niners defensive backs are getting far more than an elite player.

They’re getting a top-notch mentor too.