49ers post-OTA 53-man roster predictions for 2021

49ers Safeties (4)

FS Jimmie Ward

SS Jaquiski Tartt

SS Talanoa Hufanga

FS Tony Jefferson

Of all the injuries the 49ers sustained during OTAs, losing Tarvarius Moore to the Achilles tear is probably the worst of the bunch, as he stood to be a key contributor to the defensive backfield during what would have been the final year of his rookie deal.

The starting group here is solid with Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt, although there is plenty of concern about whether either will be able to make it through an entire season without missing any games, something Ward has only done once in seven seasons (2015) and Tartt has never done in six, although he did play in 15 games in both of his first two years.

Depth behind Ward would have been Moore, but now is likely to be veteran Tony Jefferson, who is returning from a major injury of his own, but has otherwise been a pillar of health during his time in Arizona and Baltimore. He can play that free safety position if called upon, although it feels likely that the 49ers defense will be more multiple in its looks under DeMeco Ryans.

Jefferson can be cover for both safety slots, then, leaving rookie Talanoa Hufanga to focus on special teams as a rookie so long as health isn’t an issue. The former USC Trojan will need to improve in coverage to be an every-down safety in the NFL.

Marcell Harris was brought back on a one-year deal this offseason but is redundant with Hufanga in town, so he’s likely one of the last guys to miss the cut with the rookie serving as a cheaper and more long-term option in that role.