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San Francisco 49ers: Early look at 2019 position battles

By Peter Panacy

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes the first down catch as cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers gets charged with pass interference in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes the first down catch as cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers gets charged with pass interference in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Boundary Cornerback

There’s no other way around it, but second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has looked nothing like a quality starting option on the outside. His 2018 regression has become a primary liability for the 49ers defense, prompting the thought John Lynch and Co. will be searching yet again for another defensive back to pair with the veteran, Richard Sherman.

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Eventually replacing the 30-year-old Sherman has to be a part of San Francisco’s long-term plans too.

Whether or not moves are made here this upcoming offseason is anyone’s guess. For now, the on-roster options are less than desirable. Former collegiate safety Tarvarius Moore is the best bet to compete with Witherspoon for a prominent role in 2019. Moore, whose blazing 4.32 40-yard time at his pro day propelled him up NFL Draft boards everywhere, is still learning the cornerback position. That transition may or may not pan out, as the on-field evidence is too small to evaluate.

And it’s just as possible Witherspoon bounces back from what has otherwise become a forgettable 2018 effort.

Remember, young defensive backs often struggle transitioning to the pros despite initial success. Witherspoon certainly wouldn’t be the first case of a second-year cornerback regressing.

If the Niners add additional players to this position during the offseason, outside cornerback becomes even more prominent a position battle.

Next. 49ers' 5 best Week 12 performances vs. Buccaneers. dark

It already is, considering just how much a liability it has been this season.