4 challenging questions Kyle Shanahan, 49ers must answer in training camp

49ers training camp question No. 2: Is safety going to be a problem

Center is one of the handful of starting jobs up for grabs as the 49ers inch their way towards training camp.

Strong safety is another.

In the wake of bidding farewell to long-time starter Jaquiski Tartt, signs are pointing to second-year defensive back Talanoa Hufanga emerging as Tartt’s replacement. At least in light of minicamp workouts, Hufanga is the clear-cut favorite to start camp with the first-team unit, then backed up by other defensive backs such as Tarvarius Moore, George Odum and Leon O’Neal Jr., the latter being an undrafted rookie.

Hufanga, too, appears to have taken major strides from the observed coverage difficulties he had on defense his rookie season. That’s obviously great news for the Niners, especially in the context of padless and non-tackling OTA and minicamp sessions where players aren’t allowed to showcase their physicality.

However, one shouldn’t automatically assume these signs are guaranteed indicators Hufanga will thrive in this presumed role.

And if he doesn’t, there haven’t exactly been other top standouts to compete with him and take over that starting strong safety job.