49ers training camp: 5 biggest battles to watch in 2021
By Peter Panacy
49ers training camp battle No. 3: Second boundary cornerback
On the surface, the Niners appear to have their starting cornerbacks set.
Jason Verrett, who could have been named the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after missing almost the entirety of the 2016 through 2019 seasons, will look to pick up where he left off last season as a quality upper-echelon boundary corner.
Despite a bit of an injury history, including missing eight games last year, K’Waun Williams is still regarded as one of pro football’s better nickel cornerbacks, too.
The real battle, however, will be the No. 2 boundary spot opposite Verrett.
San Francisco would probably be comfortable inserting Emmanuel Moseley into this spot. But it’s important to note Moseley has been in and out of the 49ers’ starting lineup the last two years, and whoever occupies this role should expect plenty of targets with Verrett and Williams handling their respective duties.
The 49ers used two draft picks on cornerbacks this year, Ambry Thomas in Round 3 and Deommodore Lenoir in Round 5. Thomas, the higher-profile pick, could be a plausible starting option.
Given his relatively raw nature, though, don’t be too surprised if the Niners give the No. 2 boundary job to the journeyman veteran, Dontae Johnson, should he impress during training camp.