The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of cornerback Will Davis to a one-year contract. They have been working out defensive backs throughout the week, working out both cornerbacks and safeties.
I expected the team to sign somebody with some safety experience, but cornerback is also a depth need. They have Rashard Robinson as a likely starter, with Ahkello Witherspoon, Keith Reaser, and Dontae Johnson competing for the other starting spot. K’Waun Williams and Will Redmond are viewed as the primary competitors for the nickel role.
Davis will compete for that second cornerback role. He is a late addition at this point, but adds a little bit of intriguing to the depth chart. I took a few minutes to chat with Kyle Barber from Baltimore Beatdown about Davis. He had this to say:
He played either one or two games, and flashed potential. Quick, agile, and performed well as a CB2 on a very injury riddled Ravens secondary. He became injured in a pass deflected near the sideline, tearing his ACL.
I watched him in camp last season. Most often, he practiced with the second team. I remember him intercepting a pass, and a couple of good passes defensed. He ultimately couldn't see the playing field though.
Davis had two ACL injuries in the span of 11 months, but is now over a year and a half removed from the second one. It’s hard to say what his roster chances are at this point. Normally, a June 1 signing would be a longer shot to make the roster. However, the 49ers have made it clear they are turning over this roster with considerable aggression. In reality, most people on the 90-man roster are on the bubble, be it strong or weak. There are still some long-shots, but a new front office and coaching staff means most of the roster has some kind of shot at a spot in 2017.