An early look at 49ers’ best position battles in 2019 training camp

Safety

Right now, the 49ers are banking their free safety hopes on two players: Jimmie Ward and Adrian Colbert.

San Francisco 49ers

Ward, who has landed on injured reserve in four of his five seasons at the pro level, is back on a one-year deal. It would be beneficial for him to stay at one spot — something he hasn’t done for much of his tenure with the Niners, although defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is equally hoping Colbert bounces back to his rookie 2017 efforts after finishing last year with a paltry 31.7 Pro Football Focus grade.

And if San Francisco adds yet another safety during the draft, look out.

This pending competition could make the safety competition interesting on its own. But one shouldn’t overlook what the 49ers have brewing at strong safety, too.

Here, the Niners are looking at veteran defensive back Jaquiski Tartt holding onto his starting job over the second-year pro, Marcell Harris.

Like Ward, Tartt also has an injury history, while Harris returned from a collegiate Achilles injury midway through 2018, had some tackling issues early but finished on a solid enough note to be tossed into the starting discussion.

While San Francisco could add depth at strong safety through the draft, it’s likely one of these two wind up getting the starting nod for Week 1.