35 days until 49ers kickoff: The guy wearing it now wore it best

The San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2015 NFL regular season on Monday Night Football, on September 14. That game. means San Francisco is now a mere 35 days away from kicking off its 2015 regular season. In the spirit of that approaching date, I thought I would steal this idea from our Oakland Raiders site.

Who wore it best: FS Eric Reid (2013-present)

The number 35 has some history with the 49ers, but it is a bit underwhelming. If we were going strictly by PFR's AV statistic, running back Larry Schreiber led the way during his time with the 49ers (1971-1975). The guy right behind him is running back/returner Dexter Carter. The 49ers spent a first round pick on Carter with the hopes of getting a big-time play-maker. He never quite panned out the way the 49ers were hoping.

And that actually leaves us with the guy who currently wears the number. In two seasons with the 49ers, Eric Reid has established himself as a very capable free safety. The 49ers moved up 13 spots in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft to select Reid. In his two seasons with the team, he has intercepted seven passes, and earned a Pro Bowl nod his rookie season.

There are two questions with Reid as he enters his third season with the team. The first is health. He has dealt with concussions, and there will continue to be concerns about his long term health. The second is position. He is the 49ers free safety, but there has been plenty of fan discussion about considering a move to strong safety. The 49ers drafted Jimmie Ward in 2014, and Jaquiski Tartt in 2015. Ward is viewed as the nickel back for now, assuming he gets his feet healthy, but could eventually transition to free safety. Tartt is likely more of a strong safety, but he is just a rookie, so it is way too early to know for sure.