"We've considered every team's top three cornerbacks for our best projection of how each depth chart would likely line up if the season began today," explained Pro Football Focus.
The ranking identified Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson, and Jimmie Ward as the 49ers' top three cornerbacks. Ward has spent a good deal of time in practice at the starting cornerback position with many believing that the 2014 first-round selection may be a candidate to play opposite Brock once the season kicks off.
"Ward recorded 21 defensive stops in 2015, tied for 10th-most in the league," states Pro Football Focus.
The explanation for the ranking continued with the following.
The massive personnel turnover in San Francisco last offseason hit the defensive backfield, too, but their fresh crop of cornerbacks more than held their own as the rest of the team struggled around them. Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson, and Jimmie Ward all graded well, with Brock surrendering more than 75 yards only three times, while Ward added 21 stops from the slot.
The 49ers, already with a young group of cornerbacks, drafted three more this offseason. They were Will Redmond in the third round, Rashard Robinson in the fourth, and Prince Charles Iworah in the seventh.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
How PFF graded Brock Purdy, other 49ers in loss to Bills, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers dropped their record to 5-7 after a 35-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who has more work to do? Below are Pro Football Focus' five... -
How PFF graded Brandon Allen and 49ers in loss to Packers, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers dropped their record to 5-6 after a 38-10 loss against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who has more work to do? Below are Pro Football Focus' five... -
Leonard Floyd leads NFL in sacks vs. Packers; Other key stats from 49ers' 38-10 loss
The San Francisco 49ers dropped to 5-6 on the season after a 38-10 Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Below are several statistics and notes from Sunday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. QB Brandon... -
Graziano: Extending Brock Purdy isn't essential for the 49ers after this season
Once their injury-plagued 2024 season is in the rearview mirror, the San Francisco 49ers will face a pivotal offseason task: evaluating quarterback Brock Purdy's long-term value. Purdy, the 2022 NFL Draft's final pick, has been the 49ers' starting quarterback since December of...