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San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who need to improve in second half of 2018

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts drops a pass while defended by Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts drops a pass while defended by Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/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) /

No. 1: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon

For much of the 49ers’ first half of 2018, second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon could be labeled as the mascot for all the team’s defensive woes.

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After such a promising rookie year, Witherspoon went from being a starting corner to a rotational player, all the way to being benched five games deep into the season. Witherspoon struggled in coverage, was having issues with penalties and was prompting memories of former Niners cornerback, Rashard Robinson, another player who had an excellent pro debut, only to fall short and find himself off the roster the following year.

The good news, however, is Witherspoon has turned up his efforts as of late. Witherspoon did allow a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams back in Week 7. Opposing quarterbacks targeted him just over an average of five times per game the last three weeks — a far cry from the eight targets he faced against the Los Angeles Chargers back in Week 4 or the whopping 12 faced in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions.

So, hopefully, Witherspoon is rediscovering his confidence a bit.

The reason this is important is due largely to the attrition San Francisco’s secondary has dealt with all year. No. 1 cornerback Richard Sherman has been banged up with a calf injury, and defensive back Jimmie Ward has switched back to free safety.

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That’s left names like Tyvis Powell to man boundary duties in reserve situations — not ideal.

Witherspoon is fighting for his role on the 49ers defense next year, hopefully looking to eliminate this position being a top need for the team in the 2019 NFL Draft.