49ers training camp: Updated bubble watch after opening cuts
By Peter Panacy
49ers Cornerback
Lock: Emmanuel Moseley, Richard Sherman, K’Waun Williams
Strong Bubble: Tim Harris, Jamar Taylor, Ahkello Witherspoon
Weak Bubble: DeMarkus Acy*, Dontae Johnson, Jason Verrett
Long Shot: D.J. Reed Jr.
Cornerback is arguably the biggest question mark for San Francisco early in training camp, namely because there aren’t exactly a lot of proven commodities behind the starting trio of Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley and K’Waun Williams.
Reserve defensive back D.J. Reed finds himself on the long-shot list entirely because of his torn pectoral suffered earlier this offseason. Simply put, he’s a long shot to make the 53-man roster by Week 1 solely because of the recovery time needed.
Reed’s primary duties backing up Williams open up the door for veteran nickel back Jamar Taylor to earn a spot, at least early in the season, while fourth-year pro Ahkello Witherspoon needs to have an impressive training camp to avoid prematurely being waived before his rookie contract runs out by the end of 2020.
The 49ers seem to like the veteran, Dontae Johnson, as an emergency call-back in case depth questions persist. Yet a name to watch could be former Missouri corner DeMarkus Acy, who is an excellent candidate for the practice squad if he’s unable to make the 53-man roster right away.
Can second-year pro Tim Harris overcome his lengthy injury history after being redshirted last year? The Niners would prefer so.