Tarvarius Moore got on the 49ers’ radar thanks to his electric tape as a free safety for the University of Southern Missippi. San Francisco took Moore in the third round in hopes of transitioning the big, athletic defensive back to corner in the NFL. Injuries pushed him into playing late in his rookie year, but now injuries early in his second season have moved him back to his natural position.
Moore played free safety with the 49ers’ reserves during their practice Wednesday, which was open to media.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh emphasized that Moore only moved there because of injuries, but it’s not completely out of the question they’d relocate Moore.
Perhaps that’s part of the reason the team didn’t do more to add players at safety this offseason. Moore might’ve always been an option for them after having an up-and-down first year at corner in 232 snaps.
With a slew of players available at corner, and an opening at free safety with Ward sidelined by a broken collarbone and DJ Reed out with a shoulder injury, Moore sticking around at safety isn’t an entirely crazy idea. Especially if he plays well there since the 49ers don’t have any proven starting-caliber players at that spot.
On the other hand, the coaching staff may only see him as a corner and will ensure he gets as many snaps as possible there throughout the offseason and into training camp. Once Ward and Reed return there may not be a need for Moore to play his natural position.
Either way, it’s intriguing that they’re giving him any run there while he’s still developing as a cornerback. This is a new story line we’ll keep a close eye on throughout the offseason and training camp.
