3 underrated 49ers players vital for success in 2023

49ers Player No. 2: Isaiah Oliver, Cornerback

In today's passing NFL, the slot corner (or nickel back if you prefer) is a starter since most NFL teams use the nickel package the majority of the time.

Jimmie Ward was the nickel corner last season after Tashaun Gipson's stellar efforts forced Ward into the position after returning from injury, but Ward has since defected to the Houston Texans for 2023.

One of the free-agent signings the Niners made was to bring over Isaiah Oliver from the Atlanta Falcons to take the role.

With the 49ers' stellar defense, opposing offenses will be looking to get the ball out as quickly as possible to avoid the pass rush.

Because of this, the quick passes underneath that teams will rely on will put a lot more pressure on Oliver.

Oliver was only a serviceable player for the Falcons despite being a second-round selection in 2018, so somewhat paradoxically, he might be in for a harder time of it despite being on a better team.

People don't normally think of the slot cornerback as the most integral thing for a Super Bowl defense, but Oliver will have a big role to fill.