The San Francisco 49ers currently have quite a few safeties on the roster, but contract decisions and a new look could result in some changes. Antoine Bethea is the most notable name that could potentially be released, but we also could see some adjustments in the roles of Eric Reid, Jaquiski Tartt, and maybe Jimmie Ward.
The 49ers will be looking to draft the best option available at No. 2, and it is possible the pick, or a move down, could put them in position to take one of the top safeties off the board. They need a centerfield option, and Eric Reid seems like more of a thumper closer to the box. If they do not move Jimmie Ward to the centerfield role, they could very well upgrade through the draft.
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock discussed the safety position, and his two favorites are Jamal Adams (LSU) and Malik Hooker (Ohio State). He thinks both are top ten guys, who might even squeeze into the top five. Here is what he had to say about Adams and Hooker.
Today's NFL is a pass-first league, and the safety position is changing. Playing against three wideouts and a tight end at a minimum, 65, 70% of the time. So safeties that can cover are at a premium. That's a long way of saying that I think both these kids can cover. I wouldn't be talking about them as Top 10 picks if I didn't think they were complete safeties.
I think Adams is a little bit more physical. Comes downhill a little bit better and is a more consistent tackler. I think Hooker has better range and ball skills. Hooker as a centerfielder is phenomenal. He's got an instinct for the game and an ability to go around the football. But I think Adams is more physical. So it's really what a team's looking for, but they both can drop down and cover the slot. They both can cover tight ends. But there is just a subtle difference in the styles that they play