49ers’ Ambry Thomas ‘different player’ after disappointing 2022

Coming off a disappointing 2022 NFL season, 49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas has taken the necessary steps to not get left behind. He appeared to carry over his momentum from the offseason and first three weeks of training camp into the 49ers' preseason opener Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. "I thought he did a good job," coach Kyle Shanahan said after the 49ers' 34-7 loss to the Raiders. "I think Ambry, starting off in OTAs, and all the way to training camp, he's come back a different player than he was last year." Thomas takes full responsibility for his disappearing act last year. The 49ers selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Michigan. The club felt he had the elite physical traits to become a very good professional. All he needed was to get stronger. Thomas got his chance late in his rookie season when the 49ers became decimated at the cornerback position. Jason Verrett sustained a torn ACL in the season opener. Deommodore Lenoir, a Week 1 starter, struggled and was benched. Veteran additions Josh Norman and Dre Kirkpatrick provided no answers, either. Thomas ended up starting five games down the stretch. His overtime...