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