49ers training camp: 1 key battle to watch at each position

49ers training camp battle: No. 2 boundary cornerback

One could make an argument all of San Francisco’s training camp will feature crucial battles for depth.

But the one to watch at cornerback is the No. 2 boundary option.

Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams are effectively locked into the No. 1 boundary option and nickel option, respectively, while the educated guess would suggest the 49ers prefer Emmanuel Moseley to play opposite Verrett on the outside.

This might work out OK, but it’s important to also recognize Moseley has bounced back and forth from the starting lineup in each of the last two seasons and might not be equal to the task of being targeted a lot in 2021, should Verrett stay healthy and pick up where he left off last season, in terms of his excellent play.

The Niners drafted two corners this year, Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir, and both could feasibly compete for a starting bid.

Yet with Thomas having opted out from Michigan‘s 2020 campaign, and Lenoir probably needing at least a year’s development time, it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see veteran reserve cornerback Dontae Johnson as a dark-horse starter.

At least until a player like Thomas is ready.