Predicting the 10 players who wind up on the 49ers practice squad
By Peter Panacy
No. 8: Defensive Back Adrian Colbert
Rookie defensive back Adrian Colbert was the 49ers’ final pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
As a seventh-round selection, Colbert’s route to the 53-man roster will be tough. Yet the versatile defensive back has a slight chance, especially considering injuries within the team’s secondary.
Presumed starting free safety, Jimmie Ward, has been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout training camp. And strong safety Eric Reid suffered an ankle injury earlier.
This helped give Colbert an increased look during camp, although he’s still buried deep on San Francisco’s unofficial depth chart.
Colbert has a chance to crack the roster as a versatile member of the secondary. He’s seen time at both safety and cornerback positions, thus increasing his value. But it isn’t likely Colbert will overtake young defensive backs like Ahkello Witherspoon or Lorenzo Jerome.
And the Niners aren’t going to part ways with third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt either.
But San Francisco would be wise to stash Colbert as a reserve option, especially at free safety, making him a solid piece on the practice squad.