San Francisco 49ers: Full 2018 depth-chart predictions ahead of Week 1
By Peter Panacy
Cornerback
Left Corner: Richard Sherman, Greg Mabin
Right Corner: Ahkello Witherspoon, Tarvarius Moore
Nickel: K’Waun Williams, Jimmie Ward
The 49ers’ depth questions at safety are somewhat negated by the fact a number of defensive backs can double at the last line of defense.
San Francisco 49ers
Namely Jimmie Ward and Greg Mabin, who have spent time at both cornerback and the safety spots.
Ward’s preseason was rough, no doubt. But his ability to play both boundary and nickel corner spots, as well as free safety, makes him a valuable commodity against a possible injury to one of San Francisco’s starters. Oh, and his $8.5-plus million fully guaranteed in 2018 makes him all but impossible to move too.
Rookie third-round pick Tarvarius Moore is another such player too, having played college ball at safety but being asked to transition his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame to cornerback.
Moore’s body type is ideal for Robert Saleh’s outside corner duties and, in many ways, it’s similar to the build No. 1 cornerback Richard Sherman has. One would guess Moore is projected to be Sherman’s long-term replacement down the line.
For now, though, Sherman and second-year pro Ahkello Witherspoon hold down the starting duties while Moore develops.