Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who will bounce back in 2019

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after defending a pass against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after defending a pass against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon

There may be no bigger example of the dreaded sophomore slump than cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon last season.

After a promising rookie year in 2017, Witherspoon started sinking quickly when quarterbacks decided against testing veteran corner Richard Sherman and instead started attacking the former’s side of the field heavy and often.

With defensive tackle DeForest Buckner the only consistent pass-rusher, teams had a lot of time to pick on the young corner.

To the credit of Witherspoon, his play did improve considerably down the stretch as he started to adjust. Niners Nation broke down his season while noting:

"During his final five games, Witherspoon had some impressive numbers. Against some pretty good competition, too. Witherspoon gave up eight catches on 23 targets. Per PFF, from weeks 10-17(obviously he missed the last two), Witherspoon had the fifth lowest passer rating when targeted, at 48.6. He seemed to be taking the next step and getting back on track."

There should be absolutely no doubt Witherspoon has the ability to be a solid starter at worse in the secondary, but this is the season he has to back up his solid finish to his year.