Interesting listen on the value of pass rush versus coverage with one of the PFF analytics guys:
https://www.ninersnation.com/2019/5/9/18537759/better-rivals-49ers-podcast-coverage-or-pass-rush-pff-eric-eagerThis podcast captures the primary reason I was so frustrated with the Niners' draft. I have no problem whatsoever with emphasizing the edge pass rush this offseason. It's been an issue basically since 2013, and it looks like we've finally addressed it. But we also passed on an opportunity to throw a few more bodies into the mix in the defensive backfield. And throwing bodies at the coverage position is the way to go about it.
I'm a big believer in competition to bring out people's best. Look at WR and DL, and you can see the benefits of competition. Who makes the team at WR? We can say with some conviction that Pettis, Samuel, and Hurd make the roster. Beyond that, I can't say with conviction that anyone else makes it. Sure, I think Goodwin and Taylor both have a good shot. But then there's Richie James, and Jordan Matthews, and Kendrick Bourne. All of these guys have a legit chance of making the team, and even of playing a significant role. And sure, to an extent, that's a reflection of a lack of established players at the position, but it's also indicative of how we have brought in players to compete over the past few years.
The same is true along the defensive line. I can say with conviction that Buckner, Ford, and Bosa will be on the roster. Barring a trade, I'm pretty confident Armstead and Thomas make it. Jones has a very good shot as our most natural nose, but we also have Day who could play that spot. Street was a fairly high pick who hasn't played much, Blair was arguably our best DE outside pass rusher last year, and Taylor had some nice moments in the preseason (he's probably slated for the PS). That's going to be a dogfight. I would be pretty hard-pressed at this point to pick the eight or nine guys who make the roster.
When you look at CB and S. At CB, I am absolutely certain that Sherman, Moore, and Witherspoon make it. Barring injury setback (including just not being the same player as pre-injury), Verrett is basically locked in. I'm confident that Williams and Reed (if we consider him a CB) will make it; the only thing that would prevent that is if Reed switches to slot corner full time and beats out Williams. Maybe Tim Harris challenges to be kept on as an additional player, but I'd be pretty surprised if he actually bumps Moore or Witherspoon off the roster. Safety may have even less competition. Ward, Colbert, and Tartt are all but assured roster spots if healthy. It really doesn't matter how well they play, because we don't have anyone to replace them, especially at FS (granted Reed could mix in here). Maybe we cut one of Exum or Harris, who are borderline players anyway. There is no one else in the mix. And with limited competition, I'm not sure we get the best out of the guys who are there. There's a different sense of urgency when your very career is at stake. Right now, we can't challenge our young guys that way.
