49ers rookie player grades from Week 16 loss to Bears

There’s a good chance rookie safety Marcell Harris carves out a niche with the 49ers defense. Perhaps even earning a starting role, which would be impressive for the 2018 sixth-round pick after missing his 2017 collegiate campaign and most of this year while recovering from an Achilles injury.

That said, Harris’ Week 16 efforts weren’t exactly stellar. One of his worst gaffes came early, reacting late to a pass from Mitchell Trubisky to Allen Robinson down the left side that went for 43 yards.

Chicago didn’t score on the drive, so that was that.

Later on in the game, though, Harris delivered a late hit on Trubisky on a rush near the Bears sideline. Chicago players took exception, surrounding him in a scuffle that eventually resulted in the Niners’ Richard Sherman getting ejected, along with two Bears players.

Late hits aside, Harris might not be the best in coverage. But he plays aggressive and gets to the ball carrier with some force, like this.