Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Looking at locks and bubble-watch players after the NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints fullback John Kuhn (29) carries the ball against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The New Orleans Saints defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints fullback John Kuhn (29) carries the ball against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The New Orleans Saints defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

Adrian Colbert, Don Jones, Eric Reid, Vinnie Sunseri, Jaquiski Tartt, Jimmie Ward

The 49ers waited until Round 7 to add a safety, Adrian Colbert, in the NFL Draft. Not using a higher pick all but guarantees defensive back Jimmie Ward shifts back to free safety, moving Eric Reid into the box as the team’s starting strong safety.

Third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt’s 2016 campaign was a bit of a disappointment. But he’s probably the best option to back up either Ward or Reid — important, considering the latter two have an injury history.

San Francisco likely keeps four safeties on its roster this season, which means the final roster spot falls between Colbert and late-2016 pickup Vinnie Sunseri.

Locks: Eric Reid, Jimmie Ward

Good Shape: Jaquiski Tartt

Strong Bubble: Adrian Colbert

Weak Bubble: Vinnie Sunseri, Don Jones