49ers: Early predictions for San Francisco's depth chart, 53-man roster

San Francisco 49ers: Early predictions for 2017 depth chart, 53-man roster

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 /

3 of 11

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) runs after a catch against San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid (35) and Jimmie Ward (25) at AT&T Stadium. The 49ers beat the Cowboys 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety (4)

Free Safety: Jimmie Ward, Vinnie Sunseri

Strong Safety: Eric Reid, Jaquiski Tartt

The 49ers will be moving defensive back Jimmie Ward from cornerback to his natural free safety spot in coordinator Robert Saleh’s Cover 3 defense.

Ward has the tools to be a rangy, centerfield-like safety in a single-high defensive scheme. Meanwhile, veteran safety Eric Reid will drop down in the box as a strong safety — a position switch entering this season.

Both moves may actually play into each players’ respective strengths.

The Niners picked up veteran safety Vinnie Sunseri a year ago, and he’s probably a favorite to make the 53-man roster as a backup. And even though his 2016 campaign wasn’t overly good, 2015 draftee Jaquiski Tartt lands as a backup to Reid.

Rookie safeties Malik Golden and Chanceller James, signed as undrafted free agents, are candidates for the practice squad.