Niner Noise
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Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eric Reid, 49ers
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Safety

Starter: Eric Reid

Backup: Jimmie Ward

The safety position is one of strength for the 49ers entering 2016 — a rarity for the team ahead of training camp.

Former Pro Bowler Eric Reid had an off year to start 2015 but finished strong with a plus-1.6 pass-coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

As one of the senior members of a very young secondary, Reid’s role will be even more important in defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil’s scheme. Heath concerns, especially concussions, have paralleled Reid’s career thus far, so the Niners will want to have an adequate backup ready to go.

Fortunately, defensive back Jimmie Ward — a natural safety — can easily slide out of a likely starting position at cornerback.

Next: Strong Safety