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#ninergang
Let's take a look at our Cornerbacks
Cornerbacks
Charvarius Ward - Former Kansas City Chief. Ward has proven to be one of the biggest free agency steals of time, Ward has proven to be an underrated borderline elite corner possessing great speak even moving laterally he can cover most of the NFLs receivers with white on rice. On top of that he is a capable tackler. He may have 'only' 10 interceptions in his career but it also comes down to middling or less being hesitant to throw in his general direction. The 49ers better make the most of his time though as he is an UFA after this season and quite frankly, he will be too expensive for us to re-sign. He took a team friendly contract but the open marker can see corners of his level getting 60 plus million contracts by teams hungry for a defensive leader,
Performance: A-
Potential: A-
Overall: A-
Deomedore Lenior - Former 5th round pick in 2021. Lenior is already an NFL veteran at not even 25, He is what some would call a 'DAWG'. He is not perfect but he makes the right play more often than not, Recovers nicely even if he gets beat. This is a combination of work ethic, good coaching on the defensive side and his overall health. This is another player who could command insane money in the open market. At only 25 by the end of this season. He will be in line for a massive payday. Some team if it is not us will pay him #1 corner money based of his youth and the fact he has played way above his draft status,
Performance: B+
Potential: B+
Overall: B+
Renardo Green - I had Green as maybe the 3rd or 4th best corner in the draft. To get him in the 2nd round to me was great value for the pick. I thought he might need a year to two to get acclimated to the NFL but he clearly picked up quickly. I think he could be the cornerback of the future should we lose Mooney and Demo. But his play had been so impressive he made Samuel Womack III expendable and allayed fears after Ambry Thomas got hurt, I expect a bright NFL future.
Performance: B
Potential: B+
Overall: B
Isaac Yiadom - Former Denver Bronco, Yiadom had a breakout season last year. He had a career high in tackles and passes defended and looked like he was taking a leap after an unremarkable career up to this point. I don't know if he can mimic last season but he doesn't have to here. If he bolsters the depth of the cornerback position he will already be an upgrade from the previous year's group.
Performance: C+
Potential: C+
Overall: C+
Rock Ya-Sin - Former 2019 second round pick. He had a solid 2020 but has languished since then. Ya-Sin is not really good in coverage. He almost moves like a linebacker BUT he is solid scecial teams player. Matches well against more physical receivers and is a good tackler in run support. There will be packages where he will be lined up against heavy offensive sets. But can also fill in as a depth piece in a pinch.
Performance: C
Potential: C
Overall: C
Darell Luter Jr - 2023 Fifth round pick from South Alabama. Luter has all the measurables of a high level corner (6ft, long arms, sub 4.5 40) but his flaws are apparent and he needs more seasoning. He does not have the best instincts and even on special teams his speed does not always show on tape. But you can't teach size and length so keeping him on the team where he can be coached up makes sense. He still has the upside to be a potential nickel back or ouside corner.
Performance: C-
Potential: C+
Overall: C-
Unit Analysis
This cornerback group dollar for dollar is among the most well balanced in the league. The starters all solid in coverage and tackling to various degrees. Renardo Green is an instant starter level CB Even the reserves all are relatively young and have starts under their belt and Luter is an intriguing prospect with upside still on a 5th round contract. Even if the defensive line falters at times, this is a very solid group that will be a net positive should they stay healthy.
Unit Grade: B+
Cornerbacks
Charvarius Ward - Former Kansas City Chief. Ward has proven to be one of the biggest free agency steals of time, Ward has proven to be an underrated borderline elite corner possessing great speak even moving laterally he can cover most of the NFLs receivers with white on rice. On top of that he is a capable tackler. He may have 'only' 10 interceptions in his career but it also comes down to middling or less being hesitant to throw in his general direction. The 49ers better make the most of his time though as he is an UFA after this season and quite frankly, he will be too expensive for us to re-sign. He took a team friendly contract but the open marker can see corners of his level getting 60 plus million contracts by teams hungry for a defensive leader,
Performance: A-
Potential: A-
Overall: A-
Deomedore Lenior - Former 5th round pick in 2021. Lenior is already an NFL veteran at not even 25, He is what some would call a 'DAWG'. He is not perfect but he makes the right play more often than not, Recovers nicely even if he gets beat. This is a combination of work ethic, good coaching on the defensive side and his overall health. This is another player who could command insane money in the open market. At only 25 by the end of this season. He will be in line for a massive payday. Some team if it is not us will pay him #1 corner money based of his youth and the fact he has played way above his draft status,
Performance: B+
Potential: B+
Overall: B+
Renardo Green - I had Green as maybe the 3rd or 4th best corner in the draft. To get him in the 2nd round to me was great value for the pick. I thought he might need a year to two to get acclimated to the NFL but he clearly picked up quickly. I think he could be the cornerback of the future should we lose Mooney and Demo. But his play had been so impressive he made Samuel Womack III expendable and allayed fears after Ambry Thomas got hurt, I expect a bright NFL future.
Performance: B
Potential: B+
Overall: B
Isaac Yiadom - Former Denver Bronco, Yiadom had a breakout season last year. He had a career high in tackles and passes defended and looked like he was taking a leap after an unremarkable career up to this point. I don't know if he can mimic last season but he doesn't have to here. If he bolsters the depth of the cornerback position he will already be an upgrade from the previous year's group.
Performance: C+
Potential: C+
Overall: C+
Rock Ya-Sin - Former 2019 second round pick. He had a solid 2020 but has languished since then. Ya-Sin is not really good in coverage. He almost moves like a linebacker BUT he is solid scecial teams player. Matches well against more physical receivers and is a good tackler in run support. There will be packages where he will be lined up against heavy offensive sets. But can also fill in as a depth piece in a pinch.
Performance: C
Potential: C
Overall: C
Darell Luter Jr - 2023 Fifth round pick from South Alabama. Luter has all the measurables of a high level corner (6ft, long arms, sub 4.5 40) but his flaws are apparent and he needs more seasoning. He does not have the best instincts and even on special teams his speed does not always show on tape. But you can't teach size and length so keeping him on the team where he can be coached up makes sense. He still has the upside to be a potential nickel back or ouside corner.
Performance: C-
Potential: C+
Overall: C-
Unit Analysis
This cornerback group dollar for dollar is among the most well balanced in the league. The starters all solid in coverage and tackling to various degrees. Renardo Green is an instant starter level CB Even the reserves all are relatively young and have starts under their belt and Luter is an intriguing prospect with upside still on a 5th round contract. Even if the defensive line falters at times, this is a very solid group that will be a net positive should they stay healthy.
Unit Grade: B+
