49ers rookie player grades from Week 16 loss to Bears

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos recovers his fumble after a hit by D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

B+. . Defensive Back. 49ers. D.J. REED

K’Waun Williams getting the start at nickel forced rookie defensive back D.J. Reed into a support role in Week 16, despite the first-year player’s strong efforts when Williams was absent with injury, previously.

Williams had a solid game, and the Niners will have to decide what kind of competition brews up this offseason at the position.

Reed did manage to get into the game later, though, when Williams exited with a knee injury for a time being. As a result, the rookie saw a total of 20 snaps in relief, allowing two catches on two pass attempts but giving up a mere 11 yards total in the process.

It’s pretty clear Reed is more comfortable playing cornerback than free safety, where the 49ers attempted to play him earlier this season with mixed results. And while Week 16 didn’t provide a lot of evidence to support the claim, previous weeks certainly have.