Perrish

Cox

Cox could have faced two years to life if found guilty of raping a drunk woman and impregnating her. Instead, the 25-year-old cornerback was found not guilty for lack of evidence. According to the Denver Post’s Mike Klis, “at least one team” has interest in Cox, a first- or second-round talent who fell to the fifth round of the 2010 draft due to previous off-field woes.

Testimony from Cox’s former teammates and current Broncos Cassius Vaughn and Demaryius Thomas is expected later in the week. Vaughn and Thomas were at Cox’s apartment “around the time of the alleged assault.” Cox, who has maintained his innocence, faces two years to life in prison if found guilty.

Cleared of sexual assault charges last Friday, the 2010 fifth-round pick will get a chance to revive his career in one of the league’s most dominating defenses after sitting out 2011. Cox’s signing could indicate the 49ers don’t expect to re-sign free agent Carlos Rogers. Although Cox had an excellent rookie season for the Broncos in 2010, he’ll likely open the year behind Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock on the depth chart. A first-round talent, Cox does have the capability to climb that pecking order quickly if his head is on straight.

Cox was available to play in 2011, but drew scant interest as he awaited trial. According to the Denver Post, “multiple teams” let Cox know they’d be interested if his name was cleared. A fifth-round pick in 2010, Cox notched 58 tackles and an interception as a rookie.

As is Cox’s former teammate Demaryius Thomas, who was present “around” the time of the alleged assault, but never charged with a crime. As Profootballtalk points out, the lower standard of proof in civil cases means Cox could be hit with a costly judgment even though he was acquitted in his criminal case. The Niners surely knew of such a possibility when they signed Cox in March.

It was Cox’s only known tryout of the season. The NFL has surprisingly handed down no discipline to Cox after he was arrested in December 2010 for (allegedly) raping and impregnating a woman who had passed out at a party. Cox’s DNA was found in and on the woman, and he was charged with a double felony. Cox has starting-caliber NFL ability, but he’s quite the “turd.”

“We will review the facts,” said league spokesman Greg Aiello. “That is standard procedure.” Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games under similar circumstances in 2010, but eventually had his ban reduced to four games. Cox is allowed to participate in the Niners’ offseason program.

Per beat writer Matt Barrows, Cox has “jumped out for his aggressiveness.” Cox has taken snaps both on the outside and in the slot, and has also worked on punt returns. The 49ers’ secondary is perhaps the most stacked in the league, but Cox’s chances of earning a roster spot appear good.

Cox was found not guilty of sexually assaulting a woman that had passed out at his Denver apartment in 2010. The woman has since filed a civil suit against him, but the NFL is turning the page. The incident was Cox’s first brush with the league’s personal conduct policy. Expect Cox to serve as a backup corner and second nickel back this season.

The same is true of CB Perrish Cox. The 49ers didn’t address cornerback before their 11th and final pick of the draft, but have made no secret of the fact Asomugha will have to prove he’s not finished to earn a roster spot. Asomugha will compete with Carlos Rogers for a starting job. A once-promising rookie for the Broncos before rape charges derailed his career, Cox was ineffective in 168 snaps on defense last season.