Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Amid Training Camp
By Peter Panacy
![Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e12cb7e8a3c5a4d1c58b2061f14fb82678a2857098664acd1bf1da972fdf74ec.jpg)
Free Safety
V1.0 Assessment:
Starter: Eric Reid
Backup: Jimmie Ward
V2.0 Assessment:
No changes.
Safety is one of the few positions without too much of a concern heading into 2016, and fans shouldn’t expect anyone else but Eric Reid holding down the No. 1 spot.
There could be some questions about defensive back Jimmie Ward, whom the Niners are eyeing as a possible option to start at outside cornerback and not necessarily in the nickel. We’ll get to some developments there in a bit.
In a pinch — or due to a potential concussion, in Reid’s case (knock on wood it doesn’t happen) — Ward moves back to his natural safety spot.
Next: Strong Safety