49ers roster: 4 rookies to watch during 2021 OTA practices
By Peter Panacy
49ers Rookie No. 2: CB Ambry Thomas
Given the long-term and injury concerns already existing at the position, 49ers fans will understandably be wondering just how quickly the team’s third-round pick, former Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas, acclimates to life at the NFL level.
The 6-foot defensive back probably won’t start right away. At least not with veteran corners Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley in the way.
Instead, Thomas will have to prove he can showcase his worth in some of the toughest situations for a cornerback, staying pace and matching routes with wide receivers in one-on-one drills where corners can’t engage in press coverage, one of Thomas’ strengths in college.
At least Thomas didn’t lack for confidence in his initial 49ers press conference:
"I’ve got speed and I’m long in the defense we run. If I’m at the nickel or the cornerback spot I can make plays on the ball — make a lot of plays on the ball. Put me in a position to win, I feel like. I’ve just got to get used to the whole playbook, but once I feel like I got that, it’s over. It’s over."
Those early OTAs will reveal a lot whether or not Thomas, who sat out 2020 in light of the pandemic, will be up to the cut early.
Niners fans sure hope that’ll be the case.