Pete Prisco of CBS Sports recently went through all 32 NFL teams and named each's most underrated and overrated players. The 2017 San Francisco 49ers roster consists of a number of new faces. In fact, there are more new faces than returning faces on a squad that reports to training camp on Thursday.
Prisco's most underrated player probably won't surprise any fan who follows the 49ers closely. Cornerback Rashard Robinson started six games as a rookie in 2016 and held his own against veteran receivers. According to Pro Football Focus, Robinson allowed the fewest yards after a catch among rookie cornerbacks. He also allowed a catch just once every 13.2 snaps, which was also best among rookie cornerbacks.
Everyone believes that Robinson has what it takes to become an elite starting cornerback for the 49ers and he will be thrust into that role in 2017 due to the departure of Tramaine Brock following Brock's arrest in April. Robinson was already the favorite to win the starting job opposite Brock but now goes into training camp as the 49ers' presumptive number one cornerback.
Prisco had the following to say about Robinson:
"He is coming off a good rookie season – although he was inconsistent at times – but he should be perfect in the new scheme. He is a tall corner at 6-foot-1, which is what new coordinator Robert Saleh wants in his cover people. Look for this kid to take a big step forward this season."
As for Prisco's most overrated player on the 49ers' 2017 roster, that would fall on wide receiver Pierre Garçon, who was acquired on the first day of free agency in March. He was brought in to be a reliable target for presumptive starting quarterback Brian Hoyer, who was signed on the same day as Garçon.
How reliable is Garçon? In 2016, he dropped just one of 80 catchable passes thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus.
"He's a good, solid player, but he is one of the highest-paid receivers in the league after signing in the spring as a free agent. He is coming off a three-touchdown catch season in Washington last year. He also turns 31 in August. He's good, but he's not what some think."