49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio chatted with the media yesterday before practice and had positive things to say about defensive back Perrish Cox:
You talked about the corners. How about Perrish Cox specifically? He's new. He seemed to have a good practice yesterday.
"He's doing well. We like Perrish. We've got him playing nickel and corner, which is two different positions. There's no carry over from one to the other, from an assignment and technique standpoint. And he's done well learning both those positions and we're very happy to have him. He's given us added depth and he's going to push for added playing time if he continues the work that he's showing so far."
Matt Barrows pointed to Cox as a player who has "consistently made plays this spring." We can only know so much given the limited access the 49ers provide the media, but all signs and comments indicate Cox is having a solid offseason with the 49ers.
Cox is getting time in various DB roles, while also getting some opportunities as a return man. Although Cox was signed to a contract with few guarantees, he would seem to be pretty close to being a lock to make the 53-man roster. The question then becomes how much playing time he will be able to develop in 2012.
Heading into the offseaosn, Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown and Chris Culliver seemed locked in as the top three cornerbacks. I don't expect that to change, but adding the depth of Cox to compete with Tramaine Brock for playing time provides needed depth at the position. Given the 49ers relative lack of depth at safety, could we see cornerbacks in the mix a little bit more when the 49ers go with 6+ defensive backs?