49ers training camp: Updated bubble watch after opening cuts
By Peter Panacy
49ers Safety
Lock: Jaquiski Tartt, Tarvarius Moore, Jimmie Ward
Strong Bubble: Marcell Harris, Jared Mayden*
Weak Bubble: None
Long Shot: Chris Edwards
San Francisco is likely to keep four safeties on its gameday roster this season, which is the norm for most teams, and there aren’t exactly a lot of questions as to who will start.
Jimmie Ward returns as the Niners’ top option at free safety, while Jaquiski Tartt resumes his nod as the primary safety closer to the box. And for those instances when the 49ers elect to use a big-nickel defense — lining up a third safety — it won’t be surprising to see third-year pro Tarvarius Moore assume a bigger role.
Moore also should end up serving as a multifaceted backup for both Ward and at boundary cornerback.
The question for this position is at depth, where Marcell Harris needs to overcome poor coverage efforts from last season in order to stave off the rookie, Jared Mayden, who was highly touted out of Alabama for an undrafted free agent.
Former CFL standout Chris Edwards could find himself a practice squad candidate.