After re-signing safety Jimmie Ward, the 49ers don’t have an immediate pressing need at the back end of the defense in 2020.
But depth is still a question mark. Ward, coming off a career-best 2019 campaign, still has ended up on injured reserve in four of his past six seasons. The Niners experiment with fellow defensive back Tarvarius Moore in a starting role early last season, yet the results weren’t quite as desired. And fellow defensive back D.J. Reed appears to have solidified nothing more than backup and special teams roles.
Plus, there’s also the potential need to replace K’Waun Williams in 2021.
At 5-foot-10 and 194 pounds, Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter is a bit undersized to be an ideal fit at safety. But the good thing is he plays bigger than his body type would indicate. There’s also the idea he could both back up a nickel role, while potentially securing starting duties if the Niners move on from Williams a year from now.
Carter’s coverage skills aren’t great, though, which would probably limit him to a deep role where he can keep the action in front of him, at least early in his career.
San Francisco has time to develop these traits, though, making Carter a decent late-round pick.