Niner Noise
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49ers roster bubble-watch breakdown after 2019 minicamp

By Peter Panacy

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: San Francisco 49ers guard Adam Snyder warms up during a San Francisco 49ers training session at Allianz Park on October 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: San Francisco 49ers guard Adam Snyder warms up during a San Francisco 49ers training session at Allianz Park on October 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Tarvarius Moore #33 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a defensive play against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Safety

Lock: FS Jimmie Ward, SS Jaquiski Tartt, FS Adrian Colbert, DB Tarvarius Moore

Strong Bubble: SS Marcell Harris, FS Antone Exum

Weak Bubble: S Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles

Long Shot: S Tyree Robinson

There’s a bit of drama at safety, too, especially after veteran defensive back Jimmie Ward suffered a broken collarbone early in OTAs.

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The prognosis points to Ward returning by training camp, and he’s still a strong candidate to secure the starting free safety job over third-year pro Adrian Colbert, who is also a lock to make the roster.

To assist with depth and competition, however, the 49ers elected to move second-year pro Tarvarius Moore from boundary cornerback to his natural position in college, free safety. San Francisco has been non-committal regarding whether or not this will be a permanent move. But given Moore’s prior experience there, it would make some sense if things stay this way.

The Niners appear to like what reserve defensive back Antone Exum supplies to the team, especially with him being one of only two 49ers defenders to record an interception last year.

Training camp, where both tackling and aggressive run defense are permitted, should give a better gauge how the team’s situation at strong safety is stacking up.