49ers 53-man roster predictions ahead of first preseason game vs. Packers

49ers Safeties (4)

FS Jimmie Ward

SS Talanoa Hufanga

SS Tarvarius Moore

FS/SS George Odum

PS: S Tayler Hawkins

The safety position is another one that has caught the eyes of San Francisco fans, with the question being who will start alongside Jimmie Ward, one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

The battle seems to be coming down to either second-year man Talanoa Hufanga or former starter Tarvarius Moore, who is coming off an Achilles injury suffered during the offseason last year. Both bring different things to the table, as Hufanga is more of a traditional strong safety who excels in run support and near the box, while Moore is a better athlete who is closer to Ward as a player.

Niners safeties coach Daniel Bullocks was recently on the 49ers Talk Podcast with Matt Maiocco where he noted San Francisco is looking for interchangeability with its safeties, which might suggest Moore has a leg up on the battle.

But this surely is one that will extend throughout the preseason, although I’d expect both Hufanga and Moore to have roles on this team in 2022.

Behind them is veteran George Odom, who, like linebacker Oren Burks, has come to the 49ers primarily as a special teams ace (he was an All-Pro at the position back in 2020 with the Colts). But he could be given a chance to compete with Hufanga (a quality special teams player as a rookie himself) and Moore as well.

The practice squad role was going to go to undrafted free-agent Leon O’Neal, but he was waived/injured to make way for cornerback depth while Emmanuel Moseley and Charvarius Ward nurse minor injuries.

Instead, it’ll go to another undrafted rookie, Tayler Hawkins out of San Diego State.