49ers: Ranking Positional Priorities for the 2017 NFL Draft

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November 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) is congratulated by wide receiver Willie Snead (83) for scoring a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Saints defeated the 49ers 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Safety

The 49ers once looked set at safety, but the depth they had at the position has crumbled.

Antoine Bethea’s play fell off a cliff last season and he was rightly cut, leaving a hole at strong safety which, as it stands would have to be filled by Eric Reid with Jimmie Ward touted to transition back to free safety from corner.

But Reid has never matched the heights of his rookie season and has a worrying history of concussions, while Jaquiski Tartt looks more like a hybrid player best utilized down in the box or as an extra pass rusher.

All this makes it extremely important that the 49ers take advantage of a very strong safety class.

They have options at No. 2 overall in Malik Hooker, a game-changing free safety with the range to play the single-high role in the 49ers’ Cover 3, and a tone-setting strong safety in Jamal Adams.

But there is talent at both those spots further down the draft and it would behoove the 49ers to take at least one safety and hasten the departure of Reid, who is entering the last year of his contract.