49ers draft preview: Desperately seeking safety to assist or replace Jimmie Ward?
Jimmie Ward gets better and, surprisingly, more durable with age.
The 49ers’ top draft pick in 2014, he is their longest-tenured player on an increasingly youthful roster.
He’s one of the of the NFL’s most underrated safeties, and he is entering the final year of his third contract.
His future, and that of the 49ers’ safety slots, are uncertain. Hence, that position could be a top priority in next week’s draft.
CREAM OF THE CROP
Notre Dame’s Kyler Hamilton has some projecting him as the highest-drafted safety since the late Sean Taylor went No. 5 overall in 2004. Hamilton is a three-time All-American whose athleticism, instincts and overall impact likely cast him beyond the 49ers’ reach, considering they lack a first-round pick and wouldn’t trade up for a first-round safety.
That caveat likely means Michigan’s Dax Hill (4.38-second 40-yard dash) will also fly off the board with his state-of-the-art versatility.
VISITING HOURS
The 49ers brought in Penn State’s Jaquan Brisker for a visit Tuesday, one of 30 such candidates allowed per team in the pre-draft process. Brisker (6-foot-2, 206 pounds) ran a 4.49-second 40 at the combine, so the Nittney Lions captain is not blazing fast. He had five interceptions and 10 tackles for loss in three seasons at Penn State after transferring from a community college. His 34 1/2 -inch vertical jump at the combine ranked 12th among safeties
SPEEDY SAFETIES
Clocking the fastest 40 times at the combine were Maryland’s Nick Cross (4.34 seconds), Louisiana’s Percy Butler (4.36), Baylor’s J.T. Woods (4.36), Toledo’s Tycen Anderson (4.36), Georgia’s Lewis Cine (4.38), and Michigan’s Hill (4.38). Others who tested well in all aspects were Baylor’s Jalen Pitre, Illinois’ Kirby Joseph, Iowa’s Dane Belton, and Florida A&M’s Markquese Bell.
TV DRAFTNICKS’ VIEW
“The safety position turned out to be better than we anticipated.” – Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
“It’s more valuable than it’s ever been because it’s such a space game, and you need tacklers. You need guys back there that can cover and guys that can tackle, and then if you have the versatility to be able to do multiple things, cover in the slot or match up with tight ends, I just think it’s never been more important to have guys like that.” – Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network.
WHO’S HERE
Jimmie Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, George Odom, Tarvarius Moore
Analysis: Ward, who’ll be 31 this season, recently shared Instagram videos of his top plays from last season. He lamented how he could garner more recognition, and he concluded that more turnovers (four career interceptions) would greatly help. The 49ers have yet to re-sign Jaquiski Tartt for an eighth season, and that is not a direct reflection of him dropping a potential interception in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers loved how the combination of Ward and Tartt – former high school teammates in Mobile, Ala. – offered a sense of security and solid communication in the secondary amid constant turnover at cornerback. Hufanga flashed promise but also coverage issues as a rookie, yet his around-the-ball presence showed up best when he scored off a blocked punt for a playoff win in Green Bay. Odom emerged as a special-teams ace and capable safety with the Colts, netting him a three-year, $10 million deal in free agency. Moore’s ascent from special-teams ace to a starting-caliber safety was put on hold last June with a season-ending Achilles tear.
DRAFT PICKS
Round One (none), Two (No. 61 overall), Three (Nos. 93, 105), Four (No. 134), Five (No. 172), Six (Nos. 187, 220, 221), Seven (No. 262).
EARLIER PREVIEWS
Wednesday: Defensive ends
Thursday: Wide receivers
Friday: Running backs
Saturday: Tight ends
Sunday: Offensive line
Monday: Cornerbacks