San Francisco 49ers: 10 players who should see more playing time over the rest of 2017
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Defensive Back Tyvis Powell
This isn’t as big a youth movement as it would be a transaction to see if depth could be addressed in the secondary.
Defensive back Tyvis Powell is only 23 years old but is playing his third season in the league. He did manage to see action in eight games with the Seattle Seahawks last year, and NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein broke down some of what he offers at the pro level:
"Doesn’t appear to have the necessary physicality and tackle consistency to make a living around the box so he might be pegged as a single high safety with some man cover potential. Powell has the size and athleticism, but his instincts need some work and he has to become a more physical, downhill hitter. His overall intelligence and knack for making plays at critical times won’t hurt his cause."
The single-high safety is something that would benefit San Francisco’s defense, as this was the role played by now-injured free safety Jimmie Ward.
Granted, the 49ers are going to start either Eric Reid or Adrian Colbert here, but adding Powell could provide some depth and a long-term backup if he performs well after a suggested promotion off the practice squad.