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Richard Sherman identifies four young defensive backs who have impressed him in camp

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© Stan Szeto | 2018 Jun 12


The 49ers training camp is underway, and the team plays their first preseason game Saturday, August 10, against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi Stadium. Throughout the offseason, John Lynch and Co. addressed several glaring needs with the additions of Dee Ford, Kwon Alexander and even draft pick Nick Bosa. They didn’t exactly address the secondary, however, which some may have considered their biggest need after tallying just two interceptions throughout the entire 2018 season.

Cornerback Richard Sherman joined the Murph & Mac Show on KNBR 680 Thursday morning to talk about the upcoming season, including which young defensive backs have stood out to him during the beginning of training camp.

“Emmanuel Moseley is having a great camp,” Sherman said. “Greg Mabin has had a phenomenal camp, Ahkello [Witherspoon] has been lights out. In the secondary, Tarvarius Moore playing safety is to be seen. He’s been running with the one’s, playing really well but hasn’t played in-game reps in the NFL (at safety) yet, so that will be a good one to watch.”

The 49ers signed Moseley as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee in 2018. He was signed to the teams practice squad following the conclusion of last years preseason – he ended up seeing action in one game against the Oakland Raiders in 2018, but was placed on the IR directly after the game with a shoulder injury. Mabin was an undrafted free agent in 2017 out of Iowa. After short stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills, Mabin was signed to the 49ers practice squad in October of 2017. He appeared in 13 games for the 49ers in 2018, registering 16 tackles.

Witherspoon was the 49ers third round draft pick out of Colorado in 2017. He had a strong showing his rookie season – playing in 12 games, putting up 32 tackles and two interceptions. After having an up and down sophomore season, Witherspoon appears poised to compete for the starting corner spot opposite of Richard Sherman. Moore was the 49ers third round draft pick out of Southern Mississippi in 2018. Moore, who played safety in college, was drafted to play corner for San Francisco. He appeared in all 16 games last year tallying 23 tackles as a corner. Due to injuries this offseason, Moore has been moved back to safety and seems to be pushing for playing time there.

These defensive backs have all had strong showings throughout training camp according to Sherman, but all eyes have been on 2019 #2 overall pick Nick Bosa the past few weeks. Aside from spraining his ankle during practice on Wednesday, the Ohio State product has not disappointed.

“Nick came in really sharp. Came in executing, came in beating guys, looked like a veteran. They were probably going to rest him anyway…He’s something everyone should be excited about. I think that John [Lynch] and them hit a home run with him. Even at the second pick, I think he’s undervalued. He’s a monster.”

Listen to the full interview below. To hear Sherman on the defensive backs and Nick Bosa, listen from 3:40.