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Chargers vs. 49ers: 5 San Francisco players to watch in preseason finale

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 31: Austin Ekeler #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 31: Austin Ekeler #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 18: Tarvarus McFadden #33 of the San Francisco 49ers loses control of a ball intended for Braxton Miller #13 of the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of a preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden

Had cornerback Tarvarus McFadden declared for the NFL Draft after his 2016 collegiate campaign, there would be no way he’d be on a list of players needing a strong Week 4 of the preseason to avoid being cut.

But McFadden’s 2017 decline resulted in him falling from a high-profile prospect to little more than a priority free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft.

That said, McFadden still offers a good deal of upside for San Francisco’s predominantly young secondary. The only question is whether or not the 6-foot-2, 198-pound corner out of Florida State has outplayed his competition enough to secure a spot on the back end of the 49ers’ regular-season roster.

Partially, perhaps. McFadden has flashed some solid coverage skills, and he almost recorded an interception during the 49ers’ second preseason game of 2018 against the Houston Texans.

But one could argue other cornerbacks, namely Greg Mabin and Tyvis Powell, are both listed ahead of McFadden on the depth chart. And both have been seeing more time with the twos over McFadden, who has primarily worked with the third stringers this preseason.

A solid outing from McFadden in the fourth and final preseason bout could change the pecking order, so look for this game to be one of importance for the rookie defensive back to increase his chances.