Samuel Womack shined in 49ers preseason win vs. Packers

Rookie cornerback Samuel Womack was a gem during the 49ers’ preseason victory over the visiting Packers, which probably cements his role for 2022.

The San Francisco 49ers got the 2022 preseason off to a winning start with a 28-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium.

Sure, it was only a preseason game and it doesn’t actually count for anything, but it was still nice to finally have football back and see the team record a win against a big rival.

Read More: What 49ers preseason win vs. Packers truly revealed on Friday night

There were plenty of good performances in this game to be had. Quarterback Trey Lance showed everyone why the Niners have such faith in him, wide receiver Danny Gray showcased his blazing speed and fourth-round rookie guard Spencer Burford looks like he could be a potential steal.

But all the superlatives right now are squarely on fifth-round rookie cornerback Samuel Womack, who had an impressive preseason debut with two interceptions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibF8PZCwxcE

The first interception was an example of fighting to the finish, wrestling the ball away from the Packers receiver, Romeo Doubs, in midair to come down with the ball. The coverage itself was pretty good as well, as it took a perfect pass to be a reception, to begin with.

The good coverage continued for the second interception, too, where the rookie got between his opponent and the ball and snagged the interception along with a lengthy return. It wasn’t as easy an interception as it looked, as he was trailing the receiver while tracking a quick pass over his shoulder, but he caught it effortlessly.

Samuel Womack a lock to be 49ers’ starting nickel cornerback already?

It’s hard to call Womack the real deal after just one preseason game, but this is just the latest of a long line of impressive plays he’s made for San Francisco since being drafted. He’s been superior to current nickel start Darqueze Dennard in every way, including training camp and now with his inaugural preseason campaign thus far.

It’s too early to make assumptions, but it would be shocking if Womack isn’t given the starting role by Week 1 if he keeps up these impressive performances.

The 49ers have picked gems in the fifth round before such as tight end George Kittle and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and Womack is shining bright as a gem of his very own early.

At the absolute least, he’s earned the right to show what he can do against the very best in this league.