Within the 49ers: A cornerback-by-cornerback look at ‘exciting’ device just after 2021 struggles

Shoddy cornerback play in the beginning derailed DeMeco Ryans’ initial time as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.

From go-interference penalties to blown coverages, that device acquired scapegoat standing for a 3-5 commence, which commenced in staggering trend with Jason Verrett’s knee personal injury in the season opener.

And now?

“Our guys have a possibility to be really very good,” Ryans reported at minicamp this week. “I like the place we are.

“It’s going to be good to see all those guys coming into (teaching) camp when it is real soccer and time to just take off. I’m fired up for wherever they are and they can even now enhance. It’s likely to be thrilling to look at.”

Excited is a improved term than “dreading” likely showdowns this year in opposition to elite receivers. The NFC West is packed with move-catching electricity couples on the Rams (Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson), the Cardinals (DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown) and the Seahawks (DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett). Also on the schedule: Davante Adams (Raiders), Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), and several much more nightmares.

At minimum this year’s selection of 49ers cornerbacks would seem far more up for people challengers. Past season’s 19 move-interference penalties are in the earlier.

Then again, today’s NFL pits all cornerbacks in as well lots of no-earn predicaments, and fantasy football isn’t exactly ranking cornerbacks.

In this article is a glimpse at how the 49ers’ seemingly restocked and upgraded cornerback device seems to be:

CHARVARIUS WARD

Signed for significant cash ($26 million certain) from the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers’ marquee no cost agent this offseason is lining up on the ideal facet. At the very least he did in organized team activites. He took minicamp observe off to relaxation his physique.

Ward comes with elite press-coverage techniques that are atypical to this scheme, but he’s keen to share.

“We all give each other guidelines and ideas,” Ward claimed. “We have unique bodies, distinctive procedures. We’re all learning from each and every other. I’m a 4-yr veteran so I’m attempting to give ideas.”

Chiefs fans howled at Ward’s quote this earlier week, when asked if Trey Lance shares similarities with Chiefs counterpart Patrick Mahomes. Ward sounded complimentary (with a contact of humor) instead than degrading when he replied: “Both of them are likely to be wonderful quarterbacks. They are gentle-skinned, fantastic quarterbacks, which is the similarities.”

EMMANUEL MOSELEY

Minicamp noticed Moseley regularly make plays and supply limited protection. Soon after beginning 28 games over the previous 3 seasons (and lacking 6 final yr with ankle and knee accidents), Moseley is the starting off remaining cornerback, except Ambry Thomas steals that job in camp. Moseley begun eight games at that location very last yr (which includes all a few playoff games), and he has the flexibility to bounce within from slot receivers if the 49ers want Thomas exterior in their nickel package.

“E-guy has accomplished a seriously terrific work this total offseason,” explained Ryans. Moseley is moving into the closing period of a two-year agreement.

AMBRY THOMAS

A ghost early in his rookie year, the third-spherical pick from Michigan finished powerful. He started off the ultimate 5 video games of the frequent time and produced an time beyond regulation interception in the playoff-clinching finale at the Rams. He has not been as handsy in techniques this spring.

“A.T., he attained that opportunity there as he kept coming through the season,” defensive backs mentor Cory Undlin stated. “He did not participate in in 2020 (COVID choose-out at Michigan) so that gap, it’s a very long time when you sit out a year. Once he bought up to pace and was enjoying quickly more than enough, and then to engage in in huge video games, that was additional crucial than anything for his advancement. We absolutely really feel he’s on the rise.”

DARQUEZE DENNARD

A late-year cameo rejuvenated Dennard’s job, and he’s gotten first crack at the nickel back again location to switch K’Waun Williams (Denver Broncos). That, even so, does not ensure Dennard a work, not with the bevy of young choices finding out the part nor with the flexibility some others have. Dennard is playing strictly within from slot receivers.

SAM WOMACK III
A fifth-round draft select out of Toledo, he’s creating a cost to get that nickel back location. Holy Toledo!

“I’m tremendous impressed with his ability to run,” Undlin claimed past thirty day period. “Listen, it is not perfect, and I’m talking far more so about approach things. About acquiring lined up and figuring out what to do, he’s been on it, which has been genuinely spectacular.”

TARIQ CASTRO-FIELDS

A sixth-round select out of Penn State, he’s ready to be intense with his 6-foot-1 frame. He’s been lining up at right cornerback, fundamentally on the 3rd-string unit. How the 23-calendar year-previous rookie fares on unique teams could figure out a Week 1 roster spot.

DEOMMODORE LENOIR

He’s nonetheless battling to get back stature that observed him start the initially two game titles very last period – then no a lot more, as he drew a few go-interference phone calls as a rookie. Lenoir gave up touchdown passes from Nate Sudfeld in 7-on-7 crimson-zone get the job done Tuesday. He’s also an choice at nickel back again, so he’ll have to get ready for within and exterior operate. He lined up on the suitable aspect Wednesday.

DONTAE JOHNSON

Indeed, a ninth-year veteran justifies greater billing than this, but odds are the 49ers will send out their younger cornerbacks before him. Then once again, Johnson has played 103 video games considering the fact that debuting in 2014 with the 49ers, moreover final season’s a few playoff video games, one of which he started off. He experienced 9 exclusive-groups tackles past year, and his versatility noticed him line up at nickel again, safety and linebacker in minicamp.

KA’DAR HOLLMAN

Tuesday’s red-zone drill noticed Hollman swipe a likely Trey Lance touchdown pass out of Brandon Aiyuk’s grip for an interception, then Hollman experienced top quality coverage on another boundary enjoy in the close zone.