49ers: Adrian Colbert is San Francisco's future at free safety

The San Francisco 49ers may have found a gem late in the 2017 NFL Draft, as defensive back Adrian Colbert is looking to be the future at free safety.

It’s rare to see seventh-round NFL Draft picks make it to starting roles, but this isn’t the case with first-year San Francisco 49ers defensive back Adrian Colbert.

Colbert, general manager John Lynch’s final pick in this year’s draft, is now the team’s starting free safety.

And judging by his performances this year, it doesn’t look as if the former Miami product is going to relinquish his role anytime soon.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

It didn’t start off this way, though.

The Niners were poised to hand starting free safety duties to a first-round draftee, fourth-year pro Jimmie Ward, this season. But Ward’s hamstring injury in training camp didn’t help matters much, as he missed the entire preseason program.

Tack on a broken forearm in Week 8, and Ward has now landed on season-ending injured reserve three of the four years he’s played since being drafted.

Ward’s loss, Colbert’s gain. And the latter appears to be the future for San Francisco at this position.

The Stats Back it Up

Prior to his injury, Ward earned a 46.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus — 75th out of 115 qualifiers on the year. Meanwhile, Colbert has an 80.3 overall PFF grade, which is 32nd.

Talk about a difference.

So far this season, Adrian Colbert's @PFF grade is 80.3. Jimmie Ward graded out at 46.9 prior to his injury. #49ers
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) December 12, 2017

Colbert also has four passes defended on 175 coverage snaps, compared to just one from Ward on his 245. While this could indicate opponents are targeting Colbert more, he’s at least making the most of his opportunities.

Passing the Eye Test

Sure, Colbert is going to make a lot of the mistakes young defensive backs make in the transition from the collegiate ranks to the pros.

But the initial reviews have been positive. Just check out the pass breakup against wide receiver DeAndrew White of the Houston Texans in Week 14:

White was wide open, initially, on the play. But Colbert’s range and converging speed are elements necessary in a single-high scheme. The fact he was able to get to White at the point of the catch was something.

But the ability to break the pass up is even more impressive.

And one of those players Colbert has impressed is fellow rookie, linebacker Reuben Foster (h/t Niners Nation):

"Awww man, heat seeking missile. … He’s a great player. Enthusiastic, really coming downhill like a freakin animal, like, it’s insane. We joke sometimes about who hits hard and who don’t but he’s an amazing player, I love the guy."

A Logjam for the 49ers at Safety?

San Francisco will have some decisions this offseason. Starting strong safety Eric Reid is poised to be a free agent, but third-year pro Jaquiski Tartt flashed some promise before landing on IR with a broken forearm.

More from Niner Noise

Meanwhile, there’s an equally tough choice at free safety between Colbert and Ward.

It’s possible, since Ward is under contract through 2018, the Niners bump him back down to cornerback. The defense has a need there. But given Ward’s injury history, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them part ways with him altogether.

That opens up the door for Colbert to assume full-time starting duties at the position.

Next: Predicting the 49ers' future at safety in 2018

Based off what we’ve seen this season, it’s an excellent move.

San Francisco 49ers: Adrian Colbert is the future at free safety

By Peter Panacy | Dec 13, 2017