San Francisco 49ers: Predicting the secondary depth chart after 2018 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers added a slew of defensive backs in the 2018 NFL Draft, prompting questions about how the depth chart comes about this upcoming season. Let’s offer up some predictions.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ secondary was a problem in 2017, particularly at cornerback. Outside Ahkello Witherspoon and K’Waun Williams, the Niners didn’t exactly have reliable options at corner. And the safety position was largely beset by long-term injuries, namely to Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt.

So it makes sense general manager John Lynch stockpiled defensive backs during the 2018 NFL Draft and afterwards.

San Francisco 49ers

Right now, there’s a deep mix of veterans and first-year players, which will lead to some interesting competition come training camp. And it’s only natural to explore what the depth chart might look like this upcoming season.

Here’s a list of defensive backs currently on the 49ers roster:

• Emmanuel Moseley (R)
• Tarvarus McFadden (R)
• Richard Sherman
• Ahkello Witherspoon
• K’Waun Williams
• Greg Mabin
• D.J. Reed (R)
• Tarvarius Moore (R)
• Tyvis Powell
• Trovon Reed
• Jimmie Ward
• Don Jones
• Adrian Colbert
• Corey Griffin (R)
• Terrell Williams (R)
• Marcell Harris (R)
• Jaquiski Tartt
• Chanceller James

Note: “R” denotes a rookie first-year player.

Teams typically carry eight or nine defensive backs on a 53-man roster, with additional eligible players placed on the practice squad. With 18 players likely heading to training camp, the Niners will have some tough choices to make when it comes to formulating their depth chart.

Let’s predict how it pans out.