Each year, we run a series of post called "90-in-90" here at Niners Nation. The idea is that we'll take a look at every single player on the roster, from the very bottom to the top and break them down a few different ways. This is to help give everyone a basic understanding of a roster. Of course, this roster will change, and some days we'll have more than one so it's not strictly one per day but you get the idea.
The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Will Davis and drafted cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in the 2017 NFL draft, adding some significant competition to the position. One player who remains far down the depth chart for the time being is Prince Charles Iworah.
The 49ers spent a seventh round pick on Iworah last season. He spent four seasons at Western Kentucky, appearing in 40 games in that time. He moved into the starting lineup full-time his final seasons, starting all 27 games. In his senior season he had 42 tackles, 10 passes defensed, and four interceptions.
Gil Brandt had this to say following his Pro Day workout a year ago:
Ran the 40 in 4.32 and 4.36 seconds. He had a 38 1/2-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump. He did the short shuttle in 4.52 seconds and the three-cone in 7.12 seconds. He performed 25 reps on the bench. Iworah is described as being raw with not a lot of football experience. However, he's outstanding when it comes to pro-day numbers and looked good in the workouts. He could be a priority free-agent pickup.
Iworah was cut at the end of training camp, and then signed to the 49ers practice squad. He was promoted for the final two weeks, playing 16 special teams snaps in Week 16. Had he remained on the practice squad, the 49ers would have had to sign him to a reserve/future contract. Since he was on the 53-man roster to close the season, his contract carried over. He had signed a two-year deal for his promotion to the 53-man roster.
Scouting reports
Basic info
Age: 23 (24 on December 23
Experience: 0 accrued seasons (1 practice squad season)
Height: 5’10
Weight: 193 lbs
Cap status
Signed through 2017 on league minimum deal. Base salary of $465,000 this season.
What to expect in 2017
Last year, I mentioned that he was a strong candidate for the practice squad due to his raw talent. As a draft pick of the last front office, he does not have much in the way of standing, but for the time being will get a fair shake for a roster spot. His speed raw physical attributes point to a special teams contributor, but he will be competing with guys like Don Jones, Jaquiski Tartt, Dontae Johnson, and other members of the secondary for such a role. He retains practice squad eligibility, so that remains an option, but if he does not earn a roster spot, I could see him cut loose by the new front office.
Odds of making the roster
I would say pretty slim. He has “a” chance, but I would put him closer to the longshot range for now. The 49ers have a lot of bodies back there, with plenty of free agent and younger additions in the mix. Training camp should be plenty wide open, so if he can prove himself, then yes, he can make the roster. But, there are a lot of bodies for competition.