49ers Defensive Backs
Lock: Emmanuel Moseley, Richard Sherman, K’Waun Williams, Tarvarius Moore, Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt
Strong Bubble: Jamar Taylor, Jason Verrett, Ahkello Witherspoon, Marcell Harris
Weak Bubble: Tim Harris, Dontae Johnson, Johnathan Cyprien,
Long Shot: Jared Mayden*, Evan Foster*
San Francisco has two of its top three cornerback spots set with Richard Sherman and nickel corner K’Waun Williams, the latter a bit banged up but scheduled to return in time for the regular season.
The No. 2 boundary job, however, remains up for grabs with Emmanuel Moseley, Jason Verrett and Ahkello Witherspoon all getting work with the first-team units. And according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the oft-injured Verrett is very much in the mix to start:
The starting safety tandem of Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt is set, but there’s compelling enough a challenge for backup duties, particularly at strong safety where Marcell Harris has bounced back from some ugly pass-coverage efforts last year.
San Francisco’s recent pickup of veteran safety Johnathan Cyprien likely means undrafted rookie Jared Mayden is more of a candidate for the practice squad than anything else this season.