5 49ers playing for their jobs at training camp

No. 2: 49ers CB Ambry Thomas

Ambry Thomas was another 2021 third-round pick, and his status on the roster has fluctuated ever since he wore the red and gold.

In Thomas's rookie year, he was firmly stapled to the bench even as the Niners cycled through cornerbacks, including fellow rookie Deommodore Lenoir. Lenoir was eventually benched, though, and Thomas progressed far enough to get starting snaps at corner as San Francisco chased a playoff spot.

It was Thomas' interception that sealed the 49ers' Week 17 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams, but his play throughout the year was sporadic. Last year, Thomas never seemed to gain favor with the coaches, falling in the depth chart and being passed over to replace an injured corner in Emmanuel Moseley.

Now Thomas is a backup in a cornerback room that is primarily settled with Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir manning the outside corner spots.

Since both contenders for the nickel position, Isaiah Oliver and Sam Womack, can play outside corner if necessary, and Thomas cannot play slot, his flexibility is even further diminished.

That leaves Thomas as the fifth cornerback on a roster that will likely only carry five throughout the year. With the addition of fifth-round rookie Darrell Luter Jr., who comes with superb athletic ability, or Qwuantrezz Knight, a player on the practice squad last year also capable of playing all cornerback positions, Thomas has no roster security.

Both players would be signed for longer, and if they showcase more skill, would have considerably higher upside.

Thomas will need to prove that he can be that starting-caliber corner the 49ers saw flashes of his rookie year.