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49ers Preseason: Evaluating Bubble-Watch Players for Each Position

By Peter Panacy

Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

Lock: Eric Reid, Jaquiski Tartt

Looking Good: Antoine Bethea

Strong Bubble: L.J. McCray

Weak Bubble: Jered Bell

Safety is one of the few positions which the 49ers don’t have too much worry. A veteran tandem of Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea should cap off the starting unit, but Bethea’s tenure might not last beyond 2016.

The reason may be a promotion for second-year pro Jaquiski Tartt or, as David Fucillo of Niners Nation pointed out, San Francisco could place some cornerbacks towards the safety position.

Maybe defensive back Marcus Cromartie is one such player.

We haven’t heard too much about special teams ace L.J. McCray this offseason, and he didn’t participate in the Niners’ first preseason game either. When healthy, McCray is one of the better special teamers on the roster.

Rookie Jered Bell is little more than a camp body at this point.

Next: Cornerback