Early 49ers roster-bubble predictions after 2022 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
49ers Secondary
Lock: Emmanuel Moseley, Charvarius Ward, George Odum, Jimmie Ward, Talanoa Hufanga
Strong Bubble: Ambry Thomas, Jason Verrett, Tarvarius Moore, Samuel Womack*
Weak Bubble: Darqueze Dennard, Dontae Johnson, Deommodore Lenoir, Tariq Castro-Fields*, Leon O’Neal Jr.*
Long Shot: Ka’dar Hollman, Tayler Hawkins*, Qwuantrezz Knight*
* denotes rookie
Once considered a massive weakness earlier this offseason, the Niners spent considerable effort reinforcing their secondary with plenty of new faces, highlighted by the free-agent pickup of former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward.
He won’t go anywhere, and neither will another free-agent pickup, George Odum, returning with fellow defensive backs Jimmie Ward and Talanoa Hufanga.
San Francisco brought oft-injured cornerback Jason Verrett back, too, meaning he’ll be slated for starting duty, provided he’s 100-percent healthy after suffering an ACL tear in Week 1 last season.
What that means for the two 2021 rookie corners, Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir, is unclear. And the 2022 additions of defensive backs Samuel Womack, Tariq Castro-Fields and Leon O’Neal, among others, will only serve to make the competition a little stiffer.
The 49ers still have a noticeable question mark at strong safety, too, with Jaquiski Tartt still unsigned.