49ers 53-man roster predictions ahead of final wave of 2021 cuts

49ers Cornerbacks (6)

CB Jason Verrett

CB Emmanuel Moseley

CB K’Waun Williams

CB Deommodore Lenoir

CB Ambry Thomas

CB Dontae Johnson

One this is clear in this group: Rookie Demmodore Lenoir has shown himself to be the best of the cornerbacks not currently slated to start during training camp and in the preseason.

Whether this is saying much or not, time will tell, but he’s most certainly outplayed fellow rookie Ambry Thomas and the other depth options the 49ers have available at the position.

Thomas has shown himself useful on special teams, though, especially as a kick returner, which, along with his draft pedigree, guarantees both his roster spot and that he’ll have some sort of role on this team in 2021.

The starters, as if often the case for the 2021 49ers squad, are very well set, with Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley locked into the outside corner positions and K’Waun Williams settled into the slot corner position.

What Lenoir’s role proves to be is unclear, but it’s possible the team sees him as a potential long-term replacement for Williams in the slot, so he could step into that role in dime packages in 2021 along with being the first injury replacement option on the outside.

The last spot goes to long-time veteran Dontae Johnson, a valuable and experienced piece that defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans can deploy throughout the defensive backfield if necessary.

This is a solid if often unspectacular group that will rely on the defensive line to create pressure and make their jobs easier.

If that’s the case, they should be a more than sufficient group to get the job done.