Predicting 49ers defensive starting lineup before 2020 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback
Boundary: Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley
Nickel: K’Waun Williams
If there’s one position the 49ers must absolutely address in the NFL Draft, it’s cornerback. Not only for immediate depth and competition, but also for long-term needs.
About the only guarantees for San Francisco here are two starters, Richard Sherman and K’Waun Williams. But both are entering contract years, and the Niners may want to explore a younger, cheaper option for the aging Sherman.
Fourth-year pro Ahkello Witherspoon is also entering a contract year, too. 2020 is likely his last shot to hang around with the 49ers any longer, and the fact he lost his starting job to undrafted free-agent corner Emmanuel Moseley multiple times last season doesn’t bode well for the former’s future.
Still, even Moseley still needs to prove he’s worthy for long-term consideration on the outside.
But one shouldn’t automatically assume a top-drafted cornerback assumes the starting nod over Moseley, given how first-year defensive backs often struggle in transitioning from the college ranks to the pros.
To start 2020, look for the named trio to start in Week 1.