San Francisco 49ers: 3 thinnest positions entering 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers Cornerbacks
While re-signing Jimmie Ward was a priority, some could easily argue the Niners should have spent more time and resources upgrading their cornerback crop.
Particularly on the boundary where Richard Sherman is aging and entering a contract year and the No. 2 spot opposite him remains up for grabs.
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On the positive side, the 49ers have two starting-caliber corners set to compete for this spot: Emmanuel Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon. Yet it might be premature to assume Moseley is a long-term starting option, and Witherspoon’s career has been up and down, putting it lightly. Last season, Witherspoon dealt with a foot injury which thwarted what had been a strong start to 2019. When Witherspoon returned, he subsequently lost his starting job on multiple occasions.
Those are worrisome question marks. But they don’t come close to the kind of worries behind the trio on the outside-corner depth chart.
San Francisco re-signed cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and Jason Verrett during the offseason, both coming back on one-year deals. At best, they’re experienced veteran reserve options during the regular season, but there’s zero guarantee they’ll make the 53-man roster out of training camp.
If not Witherspoon, and if Johnson and Verrett don’t make the cut, who steps up for the 49ers at cornerback if injuries become a factor?
Next. 3 Niners players who take a step back in 2020. dark
There aren’t too many likable answers, and the Niners must hope they won’t have to answer the question this season.