49ers: Ranking the 5 toughest players San Francisco will face in 2018

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 5 toughest players the Niners face in 2018

By Bobby Horne | Jul 17, 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. Donald was flagged for roughing the passer. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 22: Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Cornerback Casey Hayward, Los Angeles Chargers

Hayward is a top corner in the NFL right now.

This will be the “chess match” game between Garoppolo and Hayward.

Hayward rarely allows separation between him and the receiver he’s covering. His instincts are elite, and he his always in the proper position to make a play.

Some would call him undersized, at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, but he plays much bigger than the stat sheet suggests.

What makes this a bit more challenging for the 49ers is the fact that, on the Chargers defensive line, is honorable mention to this list, EDGE Joey Bosa.

Bosa’s ability to get to the quarterback will force Garoppolo to get rid of the ball quickly, which will play right into Hayward’s strength.

There wont be time for routes to fully develop, allowing Hayward to just play with his natural talent, which we’ve seen is elite.

Hayward has the ability to lock down whoever he lines up against. Taking a weapon away from Garoppolo will limit the offense a bit and create a challenge.