Safety play was a huge reason the 49ers’ defense was so stingy against big plays a season ago. That success led the club to make effectively zero changes to that group over the offseason.
While there are some new names on the 90-man roster, the depth chart on the 53-man could wind up identical to last season. Here’s our depth chart projection for that spot going into camp:
Jimmie Ward
Ward signed a three-year deal this offseason to stay with the 49ers. Getting the starting free safety back will be an immense help in the back end of the 49ers’ secondary. Ward has good range and instincts to roam the middle of the field, but he’s also effective in one-on-one coverage and he’s an excellent tackler. Injuries have been an issue for Ward, so that’ll still be worth monitoring. He’s one of the best players in the league at his position when he’s on the field though. His starting spot isn’t going anywhere.
Jaquiski Tartt
Trade rumors surfaced this offseason with Tartt entering the final year of his contract in San Francisco. His starting strong safety job isn’t in jeopardy though. He’s good playing in the box with his athleticism and size, but he can also drop and play up high. The 49ers’ pass defense struggled when Tartt went down with a rib injury late last season, so having him available for all 16 games will be important for a repeat of last year’s defensive performance.
Tarvarius Moore
Moore is one of the most intriguing non-starters on the 49ers’ defense. He started three games for Ward to start last season after Ward suffered a broken collarbone during offseason workouts and acquitted himself well at his natural position after spending the 2018 season at cornerback. Moore shined in the Super Bowl with a pass breakup and an interception, but that performance alone won’t push him up the depth chart. He might be a player the team circles as a long-term starter though, especially if this is Tartt’s last year in San Francisco.
Marcell Harris
Harris had some up-and-down performances in his four starts last season after Tartt went down in Week 13. The 2018 sixth-round pick didn’t start the year on the active roster, and his roster spot isn’t assured going into camp. He’ll likely stay around if he shows he’s a viable candidate to be a starter beyond this season. If he continues to be inconsistent though, his job could be in some trouble.
DJ Reed
Versatility is perhaps Reed’s best asset, and it’s why he just sneaks into spot on the back end of the safety depth chart. Reed can play in the slot, he can play free safety, and he can return kicks. Eventually the team will have to find a specific position for him, but for 2020 his versatility gives him the inside track to some kind of rrole with the team.
Jared Mayden
Mayden wound up going undrafted in 2020 after spending four years at Alabama. He bounced around the secondary but eventually settled in as a starting safety. Mayden doesn’t have the range to play free safety in the NFL, but his experience playing multiple spots give him an outside shot at landing on the roster as a reserve strong safety. It’s a tall mountain to climb for an undrafted rookie to make the roster. Mayden has the tools to do it though, especially if a player like Harris or Reed struggle in camp.
Derrick Kindred
The Browns selected Kindred in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft out of TCU. He started 17 of his 42 games across three seasons in Cleveland before they waived him last offseason. He has two interceptions, 12 pass breakups and 148 tackles as a pro. His NFL experience gives him an outside shot at a roster spot, but he’ll need to play well and have some chaos take place above him on the depth chart.
Chris Edwards
Edwards joined the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2016, then spent three years in the Canadian Football League before signing with the 49ers. He’s on the outside looking in going into camp.
