49ers training camp bubble watch: Tim Harris

With the San Francisco 49ers reporting for training camp on July 26, we’re taking a look at players that’ll be fighting to make the final 53-man roster in 2019. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, in their third year, have built a team that features the most competition since the pair took over in 2017. Today, we’re breaking down a rookie cornerback with some intriguing upside.

The 49ers owned three sixth-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. The first two were devoted to the offense with Stanford tight end Kayden Smith and Vanderbilt tackle Justin Skule. With the team’s final pick, 198th overall, San Francisco selected Virginia cornerback Tim Harris.

Harris is your typical late-round pick, where teams take a risk on measurables and potential. At 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, he fits the mold of what the 49ers are looking for on the perimeters of their 4-3 defense. Harris also comes with significant injury concerns. He spent six seasons at Virginia, two of which were ended early due to season-ending injuries. Harris rebounded as a senior though, totaling 36 tackles and two interceptions.

Like many late-round picks, Harris’ chances at landing on the final roster are far from guaranteed. The 49ers’ group of cornerbacks is home to plenty of competition for limited roster spots. Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon, Jason Verrett, and K’Waun Williams should all be on the roster come Week 1. D.J. Reed and Tarvarius Moore could also factor in depending on how things shake out at safety.

The 49ers kept six cornerbacks on the roster in 2018. Assuming that’s the case this year, that leaves two spots open for the taking. Harris’ primary competition will likely be former undrafted free agents Emmanuel Moseley and Greg Mabin.

Projected cornerback depth chart:

Richard Sherman
Ahkello Witherspoon
K’Waun Williams
Jason Verrett
Greg Mabin
Emmanuel Moseley
Tim Harris
Dontae Johnson

Previous players on the bubble:

(Click name for our breakdown)

Jullian Taylor