5 49ers players who need a strong showing in training camp
By Aaron Tan
No. 5: Defensive Back Tyvis Powell
Tyvis Powell is what you would call an NFL journeyman. But while most journeymen are around 30 years old or older, Powell is only 24.
It’s been tough on Powell, as he has had to move around the league and, subsequently, the country a lot for the past two years he’s been in the league.
San Francisco 49ers
Powell started off in Seattle as an undrafted free agent with the Seahawks, moved to Cleveland, then Indianapolis, then back to Seattle and finally to San Francisco late last season. He began his tenure with the Niners on the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster a month later.
Many people forget Powell actually started along Ahkello Witherspoon as the No. 2 cornerback in the 49ers’ 44-33 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 last year. Dontae Johnson, even after scoring a pick-six, was benched after giving up too many receptions. Powell did give up a long catch to Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole early in the third quarter, but mostly kept receivers quiet for the rest of the game.
Powell is an unknown commodity, but he does have experience in coordinator Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme from his days in Seattle. The defensive backfield does not have the greatest depth, but Powell is going to have to compete against the likes of rookies Tarvarius Moore, D.J. Reed and Tarvarus McFadden, all who have strong potential to become starters in the future.
It’s an uphill battle for Powell, and he is going to have to demonstrate that his knowledge of the scheme isn’t the only reason to keep him on the team.