Rethinking 49ers 53-man roster predictions one week into training camp
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback (6)
Left Corner: Richard Sherman, Tim Harris
Right Corner: Ahkello Witherspoon, Jason Verrett
Nickel: K’Waun Williams, D.J. Reed
No personnel changes in this 53-man roster predictions, although there’s another depth change.
Cornerback Jason Verrett, whom we listed as a would-be starter in our latest roster guesses ahead of Week 1, winds up being an immediate backup for the start of the regular season. He’s only just getting on the field in training camp after spending spring recovering from his 2018 Achilles tear with the Los Angeles Chargers.
On top of that, the player with whom Verrett is primarily competing in camp, Ahkello Witherspoon, has carried over a strong OTA session into these summer practices. Right now, one might guess the No. 2 corner spot opposite Richard Sherman is Witherspoon’s to lose.
That’s a major positive, especially considering Witherspoon was Pro Football Focus‘ worst-graded corner out of 112 qualifiers last year.
It Verrett does see a major role this season, it will either be due to Witherspoon regressing early or getting hurt at some point after week one. And only after the 49ers have allowed Verrett to fully heal and acclimate himself to duties again.
Meanwhile, veteran K’Waun Williams retains his nickel starting role.