4 storylines to watch after 49ers wrapped up mandatory minicamp

49ers storyline No. 2: Checking in on cornerbacks

Few positions received as much attention this offseason than the Niners’ cornerback room. And while the free-agent addition of Charvarius Ward received most of the highlights, it’s the bouts between the depth options that should be of the most interest.

It’s important to note how corners can’t exactly bump and press receivers at the line of scrimmage, meaning free releases are going to be the norm until the pads go on in training camp.

As such, minicamp will be a great evaluatory tool in determining recovery speed, footwork and route recognition.

There have been risers and fallers here, but let’s contrast what Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn said about two corners who are competing for a spot on a crowded depth chart, second-year man Deommodore Lenoir and the rookie, Samuel Womack.

Leading off with Lenoir:

"Gave up a long catch to Brandon Aiyuk, and is pretty much the only cornerback on the team who routinely gives up big plays. I see why the 49ers benched him last season. He’s a liability."

And then with Womack:

"Clearly the best nickelback on the team. When he gets beat, it’s not by much, and he doesn’t give up big plays."

It’s important to note that Lenoir’s best trait coming out of college was playing press man, so the inability to do so in minicamp worked against him. However, the Niners benching him last year doesn’t exactly bode well for his future roster chances.

Especially with players like Womack gunning for a spot and apparently succeeding in the role.

Either way, it’ll be intriguing to see how the position battle plays out.