SF 49ers roster: 3 options to replace Jaquiski Tartt in 2021

No. 1 SF 49ers Option: Tarvarius Moore

Like Marcell Harris, three-year pro defensive back Tarvarius Moore has taken his share of licks despite flashing the occasional splash play from time to time.

San Francisco’s third-round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft has the size (6-foot-2 and 200 pounds) and the speed (a 4.32 40-yard time at his pro day) to suggest elite-level production. But like Harris, Moore hasn’t always been reliable enough in pass coverage, and there’ve been more than a handful of occasions where he took improper angles on routes leading to opponents’ big gains.

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This helps explain Moore’s lowish 56.1 pass-coverage grade last year from Pro Football Focus, although it is noticeably better than Harris’ mark.

Moore is under contract for one more year, however, and it can be important to let young defensive backs develop over at least a few years. Much like his teammate within the secondary, Jimmie Ward, moving all around from position to position within the defensive backfield could have stunted his growth. Ward went through his own growing pains the first few years of his career, too, so some consistency could do Moore some good.

Yet Moore’s seemingly regular issues in pass coverage could be a liability the SF 49ers can’t afford this season. Simply put, Moore will be under great pressure to earn himself the job heading into 2021, especially if the Niners add another veteran or go with a promising rookie in this year’s draft.

Either way, amid a contract year, this upcoming campaign will be crucial for Moore’s future with the franchise.