Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Analyzing the 2018 rookie NFL Draft class one year later

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass and runs for a first down against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass and runs for a first down against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 06: Marcell Harris #26 of the Florida Gators celebrates with fans following the Gators victory over the Eastern Michigan Eagles 65-0 at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 06: Marcell Harris #26 of the Florida Gators celebrates with fans following the Gators victory over the Eastern Michigan Eagles 65-0 at Ben Hill Stadium on September 6, 2014 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Marcell Harris, Safety

2018 ranking prediction: 8th

What I said:

"Marcell Harris suffered a torn Achilles and missed the entirety of the 2017 college season. As a result, he will be rusty and will need to adjust to the faster pace of the pro game. Harris will be behind Adrian Colbert and Jaquiski Tartt entrenched as the incumbent starters, and probably Jimmie Ward in his capacity as the Swiss Army knife of the 49ers secondary. Harris has some good game film with the Florida Gators, however. And with some patience, he could be the third safety if Ward doesn’t sign on after this season."

2018 production:

I underestimated safety Marcell Harris and his ability to get healthy, and the end result was a strong finish to the year, as he found himself starting the last five games at safety, as well as playing some special teams.

Harris performed quite admirably as well, and certainly played above his lowly draft position.

2019 status:

The competition for both spots at safety are wide open, and Harris is certainly a strong candidate to win a starting role.

Even if he doesn’t start, Harris should be a strong backup who can be trusted to start if another injury happens.