San Francisco 49ers: 5 best UDFAs during John Lynch era

No. 3: 49ers Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley

Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley was polarizing to Niner fans last year. Although he was splitting time with fellow corner Ahkello Witherspoon, as Witherspoon had his own issues, Moseley played well initially in place of the former starter. But Moseley also had a few ups and downs during the course of the season, from his huge pass breakup late in the game in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks, to his painful mistake in coverage versus wide receiver Tyreek Hill on 3rd-and-forever against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl that heavily contributed to the Chiefs’ comeback victory with under nine minutes to go.

But overall, Moseley’s season was solid, as he registered one interception, eight passes defended and 42 tackles. Quarterbacks testing Moseley were just 32-of-59 (just a 54.2 percent completion rate) for 392 yards with QB rating of 79.2. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a 70 rating.

To put that in perspective, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Joe Haden had a 70.3 rating, and Los Angeles Rams corner Jalen Ramsey was at 71.5. Both of those players were first-round picks, so the 49ers have found incredible talent and value in Moseley.

As with every training camp, Moseley will face competition for the right to start opposite Richard Sherman in the Niners secondary, as Witherspoon will attempt to regain his starting spot, and the aforementioned DeMarkus Acy will also be someone to keep an eye on during camp.

But if Moseley can build on a solid 2019 season and find consistency in his performance, the 49ers will have a solid starting corner in the former Tennessee Volunteer.