49ers updated roster bubble watch after 2021 OTAs
By Peter Panacy
49ers Bubble Watch: Cornerback
Lock: Emmanuel Moseley, Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams, Ambry Thomas
Strong Bubble: Dontae Johnson, Deommodore Lenoir
Weak Bubble: Tim Harris Jr., Ken Webster
Long Shot: Mark Fields II
At the time of this writing, veteran cornerback Richard Sherman remains a free agent. And while the 49ers could stand for some additional experienced bodies within the secondary, the longer time passes, the less likely it seems Sherman will return.
That means the Niners’ starting trio at cornerback will likely consist of Emmanuel Moseley, Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams, with injury concerns to the latter two being a primary worry heading towards the regular season.
San Francisco’s third-round pick from this year’s draft, Ambry Thomas, didn’t play last year because of the pandemic. And both he and the team’s Round 5 selection, Oregon cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, had some coverage issues during their OTA workouts, suggesting neither will end up being a plug-and-play starter anytime soon.
Reserve pieces, perhaps. But nothing more at this point.
The lack of experienced depth is good news for journeyman cornerback Dontae Johnson, who’s back on a one-year deal and backed up both boundary and nickel spots a year ago.
Unless the 49ers bring back someone like Sherman or go after a higher-profile defensive back, signs are pointing up Johnson makes the 53-man roster.