These 2nd-year 49ers must bounce back big in 2023 (or else)
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers cornerback Samuel Womack disappeared after an impressive preseason
Remember just how eye-popping a preseason performance cornerback Samuel Womack put in last August?
In that multi-interception exhibition bout against the Green Bay Packers, Womack’s efforts even earned the adoration of Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
The fifth-round defensive back out of Toledo seemed poised to be the 49ers’ next late-round hidden gem and was all but locked into a starting nickel role in the wake of the team losing veteran K’Waun Williams to free agency earlier.
However, Womack ended up seeing only 146 defensive snaps his rookie season and spent the bulk of the year serving on special teams. Instead of Womack, defensive back Jimmie Ward was tasked with occupying the nickel role.
In the wake of Ward’s own free-agent departure and the Niners signing former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver, Womack’s path to being a starter isn’t going to be any easier.
He’ll have to have some Packers-like performances during the preseason once again to reestablish himself as a top option.