49ers 2019 training camp: Tarvarius Moore gets first-team reps at safety

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their first four-day stretch of training camp practices, which saw Tarvarius Moore play with the first-team unit at safety. This, and more, from Niner Noise’s camp recap.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ training camp competition at free safety got a little more competitive on Tuesday, July 30, for two major reasons.

First, the Niners activated defensive back Jimmie Ward (collarbone) from the physically unable-to-play list. And on top of that, second-year pro Tarvarius Moore received first-team reps at free safety, according to the Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman.

Moore, who played free safety in college at Southern Mississippi, moved from cornerback to safety during organized team activities, largely due to Ward’s injury. Over the first three days in training camp, Adrian Colbert had been receiving primary first-team reps here.

Now, San Francisco has three players vying for the job.

It’s possible the 49ers are going to work Ward in slowly, giving him limited action early on and letting Moore compete with Colbert. That said, free safety is one of the few positions on either side of the ball completely up for grabs.

If you’re wondering, consider this from Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney:

And it’s intriguing to know the Niners are at least considering giving Moore a starting shot this season.

Trent Taylor Continues to Dominate

Third-year wide receiver Trent Taylor looks nothing like he did a year ago. Considering his 2018 efforts were largely hindered by a nagging back injury, that’s a good thing.

Taylor has been dominant for all of training camp so far, and it was no different on Tuesday.

All you need for confirmation is this one-on-one route, courtesy of NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan:

Taylor formed quite the rapport with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo back in 2017. Assuming that carries over in 2019, it wouldn’t be overly shocking if Taylor winds up being high atop the team leaders in receptions and targets this year.

49ers Defensive Line Is Going to Be Good as Expected

In case you missed it, the Niners stockpiled their defensive line a lot during the offseason — something I broke down on KNBR 680 Monday night.

Two of San Francisco’s prime acquisitions, edge rushers Dee Ford and Nick Bosa, made more splashes during 11-on-11 drills. Bosa managed to pick up a sack on quarterback C.J. Beathard, too, according to Biderman.

Additionally, defensive end Solomon Thomas, whose 2019 resurgence is a cause for inspiration, had some impressive individual reps, too.

San Francisco seems justified in thinking a stout defensive line and pass rush can cover up a lot of other weaknesses elsewhere. So far, it’s looking like the right call.

49ers Offense Is Not Being as Good as Expected

Speaking of Garoppolo and the offense, well… it wasn’t good on Tuesday. And The Athletic’s Matt Barrows pretty much summed up the efforts:

Garoppolo seems to have an off day every other day over this first week. On day one of training camp, he missed his first two throws before completing the next six on full-team drills. The following day wasn’t good, Monday was solid. And now this.

Before the groans and moans, it’s important to note offenses are typically behind the defense, in terms of rhythm and execution, this early in camp. It’s far too early to panic.

But if the same trend continues during the 49ers’ next four-day practice sessions, there might be a few more eyebrows raised.

49ers Training Camp Tidbits

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who has been getting a lot of looks for starting SAM duties, exited with a wrist injury. Additionally, fullback Kyle Juszczyk (foot), offensive guard Joshua Garnett (thumb) and running back Jeff Wilson (calf) sat out practice. None are expected to be serious injuries.

Wide receiver Richie James, who’s competing for both return and slot duties, has had back-to-back impressive days. He might not unseat Taylor, but James is doing his best to ensure a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Niners will be off on Wednesday, July 31, before resuming camp activities again the following Thursday.

As always, stay tuned to Niner Noise for ongoing training camp news and analysis.