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Tarvarius Moore was one of the most athletic players coming out of the draft. At his Pro Day, Moore ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, a 39.5” vertical jump, and a 6.89 3-cone. When you have elite athleticism, you’re going to be afforded opportunities others aren’t. When the San Francisco 49ers drafted Moore in 2018, the team announced they were moving him from safety to cornerback. On paper, the move made sense, given Moore’s size and length. As a football player, Moore was a promising safety prospect, and it didn’t make much sense to move him.
During the offseason of 2019, the Niners moved Moore back to his natural position of safety. That turned out to be the correct move after Jimmie Ward broke his collarbone on May 24. Moore began practicing at free safety, and it didn’t take long to realize this is where Moore should have been playing like a rookie.
Basic info
Age: 23 (Turns 24 on August 10)
Accrued seasons: 2
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 199 lbs.
Cap Status
Tarvarius Moore signed his rookie deal in May 2018. His total contract is valued at $3.35 million, with a 2019 cap number of $946,093. Moore is under contract for two more seasons.
What to expect in 2020
Growth. Here is to hoping Robert Saleh uses the Niners “dime” defense more in 2020. Moore played his best ball as the 49ers’ third safety. He’d come in and cover running backs, tight ends, play as a deep safety, and even blitz. Adding Moore’s athleticism to the defense when teams were forced to pass added a dynamic to an already dangerous defense. I’m sure the 49ers are hoping Moore doesn’t have to play extensive snaps, but if Moore is called upon due to injury, you couldn’t ask for a better backup.
Moore will need to improve on his angles. That was an issue last year. Moore was only targeted ten times, but he only allowed three catches, broke up four passes and had an interception. There’s a role for Moore on this defense.
Odds of making the roster
Unless Jared Mayden or DeMarkus Acy is the second-coming, Moore isn’t going anywhere. Saleh trusted Moore enough to play him down the stretch in the biggest game in all of sports. The question should be, how big of a role can Moore carve out for himself in 2020?