San Francisco 49ers: A few players critical to team’s success in 2018
By Kevin Saito
When he was healthy and at the top of his game, Sherman was one of the best cornerbacks in the game. As part of Seattle’s Legion of Boom, he was certainly one of the most vocal and outspoken, but also one of the most lethal defenders in the league.
San Francisco 49ers
Sherman missed the first games of his career last season after blowing out his Achilles last season and the 49ers are hoping to get the vintage, lethal version of Sherman back.
He cleared the first hurdle by reporting to camp and not having to start the season off on the PUP list. He’s been medically cleared, says he’s feeling great, and is one hundred percent healthy. Which is good news for the 49ers.
Shanahan is going to move slowly and cautiously with Sherman and force him to take care of that Achilles to prevent any setbacks, which is smart. They’re going to need him to be a full go with no restrictions when the season starts.
Shanahan will be relying on Sherman for more than just his physical talents though. Sherman is going to need to be a mentor and the glue that holds that secondary together. In large part, it’s a relatively young and inexperienced cornerbacks group.
Starting across from Sherman will likely be second-year man Ahkello Witherspoon who had some solid moments last year, but is still very raw. Behind them will be fourth-year pro K’Waun Williams who profiles more as a slot corner, Greg Mabin, heading into his second season, and undrafted free agent pick up Tarvarus McFadden.
It’s going to be Sherman’s task to help teach them all the ins and outs of the position, as well as how to be pros.
The cornerback spot is going to be challenging for the 49ers. Other teams know it and will attack it ruthlessly. And more than anything, Sherman’s presence is going to be needed back there.