49ers’ 2019 53-man roster predictions before training camp
By Peter Panacy
Safety (5)
Free Safety: Jimmie Ward, Adrian Colbert, Tarvarius Moore
Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt, Marcell Harris
Most teams typically carry four safeties on a 53-man roster. But after the 49ers suffered some serious attrition at this spot last year, look for Kyle Shanahan and Co. to keep an extra body.
Remember, the Niners had seven different starting safeties over the course of 2018.
San Francisco has been enamored with defensive back Jimmie Ward the past two seasons. And while Ward is dealing with a broken collarbone, he’s expected back by training camp. One of the notable moves here, however, was the switch of former cornerback Tarvarius Moore back to his natural safety spot, where he played in college. Moore’s ability to back up both positions increases his versatility, and he might be in a position to start at some point in 2019.
He starts in reserve to kick off the year, though.
The 49ers may have something of a position battle at strong safety, considering the upward trajectory of second-year pro Marcell Harris late last year. But look for Jaquiski Tartt to earn the start out of the gate.
This would mean San Francisco parts ways with defensive back Antone Exum, who started seven games last season.