Training camp question: Who starts at corner across from Richard Sherman?

Cover Image

In 2018, the San Francisco 49ers went out and signed Richard Sherman before free agency even started and he played well in Year 1. Sherman will benefit from a revamped defensive line in his second season in Santa Clara, but there is still a serious question mark across the field from No. 25. One of the best training camp battles of 2019 will be for the second corner position. 

The 49ers used a rotation of Ahkello Witherspoon, Greg Mabin and Tarvarius Moore with defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley last season. The trio of young corners looked out of rhythm and unprepared at times. The 49ers will have a new head in the defensive back room with new secondary coach, Joe Woods. Woods has been all over the NFL, with his most recent stop in Denver. Woods first task in Santa Clara is to find the 49ers second corner. 

Related

The primary battle will comes between Witherspoon and veteran free agent signing Jason Verett. Just a few seasons ago Verett was one of the league’s most dominant corners, but injuries have stiffled his career. Verrett has only played five games in the last three years. Verrett’s only healthy NFL season in 2015 was one to remember, he had three interceptions and 12 pass breakups which was good enough to earn a Pro Bowl nod. If Verrett can recreate only a decent percentage of the player he once was, Woods and the 49ers will be happy.

There’s no doubt he has the skill, but can he stay healthy? A really scary question for a team that has struggled keeping players off the injury list. 

If we were having this conversation one year ago, Witherspoon would be slotted in at cornerback two with little question. Witherspoon showed flashes of promise as a rookie, but as a sophomore he showed more flashes of doubt. Witherspoon’s awareness last season was a real problem. Witherspoon got beat several times last season and even when he had the receiver covered he struggled to make a play on the ball in the air. According to Pro Football Focus Witherspoon received a 44.7 grade on the season which was one of the lowest for qualifying corners in the league. Witherspoon needs to start off training camp strong to bounce back from a sloppy 2019.

Yikes, Ahkello Witherspoon gets TOASTED by rookie Christian Kirk and it’s gone for 75 yards. pic.twitter.com/mrcWGBXVvo

— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) October 7, 2018

With Moore getting more time at safety, Maybin and rookie Tim Harris will get a chance to show Woods they can compete for the second corner position. 

No matter how great the 49ers defensive line is, the ball comes out quicker than it ever did. Even with a great pass rush the 49ers still need to cover. One side of the field will be locked down by Richard Sherman and training camp should decide who is on the other side.