San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 5 surprises for 53-man roster

No. 3: Jared Mayden gets the nod over Marcell Harris for 49ers safety depth

This might not be too shocking an idea, but the possibility of it is at least worth mentioning.

There’s a worthy thought San Francisco’s best undrafted free-agent addition this offseason was Alabama safety Jared Mayden, who despite being overshadowed by now-New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney with the Crimson Tide, put together a good enough effort of his own during his collegiate days.

Mayden’s primary competition will be third-year pro Marcell Harris, who flashed plenty of promise late in his rookie season back in 2018 but fell off badly in coverage last year while spelling the injured strong safety, Jaquiski Tartt.

Tartt’s injury history mandates the 49ers have a quality backup, and Harris’ experience could bode well here. Unlike Harris, though, Mayden would seem to have much better coverage skills. And while Mayden lacks the ranginess ideal for a single-high safety, considering him a quality option down lower towards the box isn’t a bad idea.

So don’t be overly shocked if Mayden ends up getting the nod over Harris as the Niners look to solidify their secondary depth.