San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who’ll lose a roster spot after 2020 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Cornerback Dontae Johnson
The 49ers inked veteran cornerback Dontae Johnson to a one-year deal during the offseason, then elected not to select any corners during the draft itself.
This would appear to be good for Johnson, who was re-signed no less than four times since rejoining San Francisco in May of 2019. And while Johnson is no longer seen as a viable starting candidate, his familiarity with the scheme and constant flirtation with the back end of the Niners roster suggests the front office likes him to a point.
At least for a depth option.
While the 49ers have plenty of depth concerns behind their boundary starters, namely Richard Sherman and Emmanuel Moseley, Johnson is in immediate threat of a roster spot thanks to the undrafted free-agent addition of Missouri cornerback DeMarkus Acy.
Acy, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, is one of those dark-horse developmental prospects who, with a solid training camp, could easily carve out a spot on the back end of the depth chart, particularly if he excels on special teams.
Johnson’s tenure could easily go by the way of no longer having much of an upside to San Francisco, whereas a player like Acy would be worth developing.
If so, look for the veteran to be cut prior to Week 1.