Niner Noise
FanSided

3 realistic options 49ers have to replace Ahkello Witherspoon

By Peter Panacy

Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Emmanuel Moseley #41 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a defensive play during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Emmanuel Moseley #41 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a defensive play during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley

Somewhat of a dark-horse candidate, the 49ers seem to like what they have in second-year defensive back Emmanuel Moseley, who missed most of the latter half of 2018 with an injury.

Moseley, 5-foot-11 and 184 pounds, doesn’t quite fit the bill for a boundary corner. Then again, neither does the shorter Verrett. And it didn’t stop Moseley from looking good in preseason action, either.

Interestingly enough, Kyle Shanahan told reporters Moseley was the current favorite to earn the starting gig over the three-plus starts Ahkello Witherspoon will be absent. Shanahan also mentioned defensive back D.J. Reed, too, although Reed spent most of his time last year at nickel.

Still, Moseley is one of the more inexperienced defensive backs San Francisco has on its roster. Granted, the improved Niners pass rush could help take pressure off Moseley, should he get the nod. But the lack of regular-season game time could be a concern here.

If Moseley does wind up getting the nod, it’s likely he’ll be on a short leash.

Fortunately, the 49ers do have another option, even if it’s not the most ideal one.