Niner Noise
FanSided

Rethinking 49ers 53-man roster predictions one week into training camp

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 23: Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers participates in drills during 49ers Rookie Minicamp on May 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches for a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Safety (5)

Free Safety: Jimmie Ward, Tarvarius Moore, Adrian Colbert

Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt, Marcell Harris

No major changes from our last 53-man roster prediction, except for the one naming defensive back Tarvarius Moore the No. 2 option behind projected-starting free safety Jimmie Ward.

Ward has returned from his broken collarbone in OTAs, and the 49ers appear content giving him the starting job this season. But Moore has made an impression, appearing fully in line to stay at safety after being tried out at boundary cornerback his rookie 2018 season.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has stressed Moore has a long way to go before becoming a starting-caliber safety. But Moore sure seems on the ascent, which doesn’t bode well for third-year pro Adrian Colbert.

One might think Colbert could be on the roster bubble, particularly after a bad 2018 campaign and not exactly being a positive standout in training camp. But considering Ward’s injury history — he’s landed on injured reserve in four of his first five seasons at the pro level, plus his OTA injury — it’s probably wise for San Francisco to keep Colbert around in a reserve role.

No changes at strong safety, although second-year pro Marcell Harris should still be a player to watch for a potential long-term starting option.