San Francisco 49ers: Positional traits to look for in 2018 offseason

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Joshua Jackson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass from the Boston College Eagles during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Iowa Hawkeyes won 27-20. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Cornerback: Ball Skills

The 49ers have to be thrilled with how Ahkello Witherspoon performed down the stretch. The third-round pick developed into a player who they can every confidence in filling one of the starting roles in 2018.

Witherspoon finished the season with two interceptions and seven passes defensed but, after forcing only 20 takeaways in 2017, the 49ers must find a starter next to him who can make plays on the ball.

Dontae Johnson figures not to be brought back after a disappointing season, but the 49ers have plenty of options, both in free agency with the likes of Malcolm Butler and Trumaine Johnson, and in the draft, where ballhawking corner Joshua Jackson is an obvious fit.

Next: NFL Free Agency: Top 50 players, signing predictions

Safety Adrian Colbert’s nose for the football should help the Niners take the ball away more as he likely moves into a starting role. And having another corner who can create turnovers would certainly add another fearsome aspect to a young but improving defense.