These 49ers rookies desperately need more playing time
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers cornerback Samuel Womack III
It makes a lot of sense for the 49ers to get the most out of Drake Jackson. He was their top pick in the NFL Draft, after all, so maximizing that investment is always wise.
With the Niners’ fifth-round pick, cornerback Samuel Womack, it’s a little different.
Granted, few rookies impressed as much during the preseason as Womack, particularly that two-interception game against the Green Bay Packers in exhibition Week 1. And that performance likely sealed Womack as San Francisco’s starting nickel back to open up the regular season.
A position he’s since lost, though.
The 49ers have placed other defensive backs, namely Deommodore Lenoir and even Jimmie Ward, recently, over Womack in the slot. In truth, this was probably the right move, as Womack was not particularly equipped to handle slot-coverage duties against some of the more talented receiving targets the Niners have had to face, including Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Still, with only 109 defensive snaps played to date, just a shade under 22 percent, giving Womack some additional time to gain experience and boost his confidence would pan out nicely over the long haul.
Especially if San Francisco views Womack as its long-term nickel cornerback.