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49ers training camp 2018: Wide receivers impress again, Ahkello Witherspoon bounces back

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Ronald Johnson #88 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Tramaine Brock #26 during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Ronald Johnson #88 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Tramaine Brock #26 during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Ahkello Witherspoon #41 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during their game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 19: Ahkello Witherspoon #41 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during their game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon Bounces Back

It’s been a bit of a rough go of things for second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who has regularly been a victim of some of the splashy play the 49ers wide receivers have showcased thus far.

With Richard Sherman out (veteran’s day off), Witherspoon received a few more reps, as he prepares to assume a starting role on the outside this upcoming season.

Witherspoon didn’t disappoint either, not allowing a single catch during one-on-one drills.

On the play below, Marquise might have had a shot at catching the ball, although it was thrown a bit too wide and out of his reach (h/t Rob Lowder):

Yet Witherspoon’s coverage was spot on. His body position likely influenced the wide throw, forcing Goodwin to dive and miss the catch. And considering this was during a one-on-one drill with zero pass rush, it’s good to see Witherspoon almost literally in Goodwin’s back pocket.

Witherspoon did give up a couple of deep passes to Goodwin in full drills, but the Niners are not yet playing press coverage — probably the best means for defensive backs to jam a speedy receiver like Goodwin.