49ers’ 2018 offseason positional preview: Cornerback

The San Francisco 49ers’ cornerbacks are set to feature plenty of competition during this year’s training camp. Let’s break down the Niners’ situation at the position and which players will likely make the cut.

This offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have started their organized team activities (OTAs) in which they have thus far seen a lot of competition. Particularly, the Niners consist of many cornerbacks battling for a roster spot and a big role come the regular season.

As the official 2018 training camp approaches, several storylines will likely arise regarding this position. Especially since cornerback has been one of its weakest areas on defense, San Francisco will certainly focus on bolstering up its group.

Although general manager John Lynch and the 49ers drafted Ahkello Witherspoon in 2017, San Francisco’s cornerbacks weren’t too productive. The Niners’ overall defense only recorded 10 interceptions and allowed the 11th most passing yards last season.

Fast forward to 2018, the 49ers acquired one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL in Richard Sherman. And they drafted Southern Miss’ Tarvarius Moore and Kansas State’s D.J. Reed to add to their mix.

To spice up the competition even further, San Francisco also signed a few undrafted rookies to its 90-man offseason roster.

With the cornerbacks the Niners currently have in place, let’s discuss the position heading into this year’s training camp.

Cornerbacks on the 49ers Roster

The 49ers currently have 11 cornerbacks listed on its roster, four of which are rookies:

San Francisco 49ers

• C.J. Goodwin
• Greg Mabin
• Tarvarus McFadden*
• Tarvarius Moore*
• Emmanuel Moseley*
• D.J. Reed*
• Trovon Reed
• Richard Sherman
• Jimmie Ward
• K’Waun Williams
• Ahkello Witherspoon

*denotes rookie

Last season, San Francisco only kept five cornerbacks to its 53-man final roster. However, with this particular group, it’s difficult to predict whether Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will carry the same or increase the number of corners this year.

Keep in mind that Jimmie Ward is listed as a cornerback for now since Lynch had announced that the 49ers will experiment with him at outside corner. Ward played as the starting free safety in 2017 before suffering a season-ending forearm injury.

At first glance, this crop of cornerbacks possesses a lot of talent, which should make training camp exciting to watch. It’s all up to the players on who steps up and shines before the regular season begins.

49ers Rookie Cornerback Spotlight

San Francisco brought in several rookie cornerbacks this year to strengthen their secondary. Particularly, the 49ers drafted defensive backs Tarvarius Moore and D.J. Reed in the third and fifth rounds, respectively, of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Despite playing predominantly as a safety in college, Moore will transition into the cornerback position as a pro. The Niners have cited how rare of a talent Moore is and how he can even compete for a starting role as a rookie.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Moore had an impressive outing in Southern Miss last year with three interceptions and 10 pass deflections. Adding along 87 total tackles and one forced fumble, Moore has proven his instincts just as well:

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/30/2018.

John Lynch has praised Moore’s incredible speed, especially after running the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds at the combine. Moore also possesses the size and length that make him an ideal fit to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s system.

Along with Moore, the 49ers brought in Reed to compete for a roster spot at cornerback. The 5-foot-9 and 188-pound Reed will look to contend as a nickel corner for San Francisco, along with K’Waun Williams.

While Williams is difficult to beat out, Reed can at least serve as a solid backup. Unless he highly impresses in training camp, Reed for now will have to watch from the sidelines or play for special teams.

Don’t sleep on undrafted rookie Tarvarus McFadden either. The former Florida State standout has the physical tools and defensive abilities that could land him a roster spot before the 2018 regular season commences.

Cornerback with the Most to Prove

The 49ers may like him for his versatility, but defensive back Jimmie Ward certainly has the most to prove this year.

Throughout his four-year stint in San Francisco thus far, various injuries have plagued Ward. He has already missed 22 games during his career and has only played one full season in 2016.

Ward not only needs to prove he can stay healthy, but also show that he can be a productive defensive back. With only two interceptions in four years, Ward has to make more plays especially in critical situations.

Though, transitioning into the outside cornerback spot once again could help Ward out come training camp. Ward recorded 12 pass deflections and an interception in 2016 as an outside corner, which affirms he can play effectively at that position.

Even if Ward does not end up playing at cornerback or earn a starting role before the season starts, Kyle Shanahan has said he will be the first player off the bench when called upon.

This statement proves how much the Niners value Ward’s versatility, which should come in handy especially when injuries occur.

49ers Cornerback to Watch in 2018

All eyes will be on Richard Sherman once training camp starts and especially when the regular season arrives.

Sherman is still recovering from his devastating Achilles injury but has mentioned he will be ready for training camp, according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson.

Much of the attention will lean toward Sherman when he returns to football activities sometime this summer. He will look to not only come back from injury but also to his Pro Bowl-caliber form.

That return might be easier said than done considering Sherman’s age. However, with his grit and determination, the 30-year-old cornerback should be back in good shape in no time.

Of course, it would also be intriguing to see a former rival wear red and gold on the field. As a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Sherman used to give the 49ers offense a nightmare.

But now with Sherman in San Francisco, it should be exciting to watch the three-time All-Pro cornerback play, especially against his former team, in 2018.

49ers Cornerback Roster Predictions and Depth Chart

With the number of talented cornerbacks currently listed in the Niners’ 90-man offseason roster, it will be a difficult task choosing which ones will make the cut.

Therefore, San Francisco will likely keep six cornerbacks for its final roster and move Jimmie Ward back to the safety position.

Here is what the depth chart would look like heading into the 2018 season:

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Left Cornerback

1. Richard Sherman
2. Tarvarius Moore

Right Cornerback

1. Ahkello Witherspoon
2. Tarvarus McFadden

Nickel Cornerback

1. K’Waun Williams
2. D.J. Reed

Even among these six cornerbacks, there is a great level of competition for who will start. However, with Sherman’s reputation and Witherspoon and Williams’ productive 2017 season, those three players will likely get the nod.

Next: 49ers' 2018 offseason positional preview: Wide receiver

A lot of excitement is certainly brewing regarding these cornerbacks, considering how mediocre the 49ers have been at the position for the past few years. With a veteran superstar and several young talents in hand, San Francisco’s secondary seems to be in excellent shape heading into 2018.