5 bold predictions for the 49ers 53-man roster in 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Ahkello Witherspoon Wins No. 2 Cornerback Spot
Maybe this isn’t quite the bold prediction. But imagine saying cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon would wind up being a starter in 2019 after what happened to him over the course of last year.
Remember, Pro Football Focus graded Witherspoon the worst corner out of 112 qualifiers in the league last season. And he also led the 49ers in penalties, too, with seven accepted against him. To say he suffered a regression from an impressive rookie campaign in 2017 is quite the understatement.
That said, Witherspoon did flash some bounce-back potential during spring workouts, and those efforts have largely carried over into training camp. If he manages to retain those abilities throughout the preseason, there’s little doubt he secures the No. 2 cornerbacking gig opposite the veteran, Richard Sherman.
But Witherspoon’s placement here might be by default. San Francisco is also dealing with another injury to fellow cornerback Jason Verrett, who has an ankle issue to go along with an extensive injury history.
Verrett missing more time likely means he’ll be less featured during the regular season, if he’s even healthy enough. And with the 49ers moving defensive back Tarvarius Moore from cornerback to safety this offseason, Witherspoon’s competition is a lot more thin than initially anticipated.
Let’s hope Witherspoon can live up to the expectations in 2019.