New San Francisco 49ers pass rusher Elvis Dumervil has had some time to watch young cornerback Rashard Robinson in action. So far, the veteran really likes what he sees.
“I’m excited about Rashard Robinson,” Dumervil said, per Eric Branch of SF Gate.”
When pressed about what excites him, Dumervil gave Robinson some high praise.
“I think he can be the best corner in this division.”
The best in the NFC West would indicate that Robinson will outperform Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl and Super Bowl Champion cornerback Richard Sherman. Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson would also fall behind in Dumervil’s pecking order.
“That’s what I’m telling you,” Dumervil said, not backing off his belief in Robinson. “I know who the corners are.”
Robinson, a fourth-round pick of the 49ers in 2016, tallied one interception, defended eight passes and combined for 28 tackles in his rookie year. He was also among the best rookie defensive backs in the game from a coverage standpoint.
Rashard Robinson flashed special potential as a rookie pic.twitter.com/UYzGrv2Ybr
— PFF (@PFF) July 17, 2017
Robinson did get off to a rough start in his 2017 preseason debut against the Kansas City Chiefs. Robinson allowed some large 32 and 29-yard completions. Fortunately, he balanced that with an interception that he returned for 30 yards.
The 49ers list Robinson as one of their starting corners on their depth chart. He will be paired up covering some dynamic divisional receivers including the latest addition, Sammy Watkins of the Los Angeles Rams.
The 49ers are a team in rebuild mode and have no choice but to rely on some of their younger players to develop their talents.
As for Dumervil’s comment, it will be interesting to see if he ruffled the feathers of a certain corner, who has several times proclaimed himself to be the best in the business.