Niner Noise
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2020 NFL Draft: 7-round 49ers mock going all defense

By Peter Panacy

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Fuller, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jordan Fuller #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

player. 812. . Safety. Buckeyes . Jordan Fuller. 216

An injury contingent for Jimmie Ward isn’t the only thing the 49ers have to think about in this year’s NFL Draft.

Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt is another one of the many Niners defensive backs entering a contract year, and there are only modest options for long-term replacements currently on the roster. Namely Marcell Harris, who has proven himself a worthy run stopper and someone with good special teams abilities.

As far as his pass-coverage skills, though, there’s a lot left to be desired.

Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller is an intriguing late-round NFL Draft pick here with some upside. He played some single-high free safety at Ohio State and handled himself well enough, although there’s not a ton of sideline-to-sideline speed to suggest he’ll thrive in this role at the pro level.

At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, he’s slightly undersized for a regular strong safety role, although he’s an excellent tackler when he squares up his man properly.

Fuller does have some decent coverage skills, which could make him a nice hybrid reserve piece for both safety spots in San Francisco, potentially emerging as a long-term replacement option down low if he adds some functional weight and strength.