San Francisco 49ers: Full 2018 NFL Draft tracker, grades and analysis
By Peter Panacy
Round 3, Pick No. 95 Overall: Safety Tarvarius Moore, Southern Mississippi
The 49ers could stand to use some safety depth, and Southern Miss’ Tarvarious Moore fits a great need.
Keep in mind, the Niners inked strong safety Jaquiski Tartt to a two-year extension. But with free safety Jimmie Ward hitting a contract year, and Adrian Colbert with just one year’s experience at the pro level, it’s not a total shock to see San Francisco grab a safety here.
Moore, 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, was a quick riser after his 4.32 40-yard dash time at his pro day.
#49ers take Tarvarius Moore, speedy safety from Southern Miss. He ran a 4.32 at his pro day. 33-inch arms.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) April 28, 2018
That’s elite speed, even for the best of defensive backs.
In terms of overall athleticism, there are few prospects matching Moore’s overall package. While he’s a little thin — marking a key question mark among NFL ranks — he’s more than capable handling man-to-man coverage duties or acting as an over-the-top safety.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a shock to see San Francisco peg Moore in as a possible depth cornerback. It’s a scenario John Lynch admitted considering after the selection.
Safety is still his best spot. And if Moore adds some bulk to his frame, he’ll be a big-time and rangy playmaker amid a budding secondary.