Secondary is still an area of concern for team’s defense
SANTA CLARA >> After a record-low two interceptions and five takeaways, the 49ers defense got an offseason makeover with scheme adjustments and revamped personnel. Here is how the depth chart looks heading into training camp, which begins Friday:
DEFENSIVE LINE (14) Locks: DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford, Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas
Bubble: Ronald Blair, Sheldon Day, D.J. Jones, Kentavius Street, Jullian Taylor
Long shots: Jamell GarciaWilliams, Kevin Givens, Kapron Lewis-Moore, Cedric Thornton
Analysis: If the 49ers can’t generate an improved pass rush with five linemen who were first-round draft picks, look for a repeat of the 2018 defensive disaster. Blair and Day are unheralded returners, and exciting battles loom to see if 2018draft picks Street and Taylor can impact things.
LINEBACKERS (9) Locks: Kwon Alexander, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Mark Nzeocha, David Mayo
Bubble: Elijah Lee, Malcolm Smith
Long shots: Azeez AlShaair, LaRoy Reynolds
Analysis: Alexander, a high-priced acquisition in free agency, and Warner, last year’s leading tackler as a rookie, are coming off knee injuries, so the 49ers need to make sure they’ve got depth inside, with Mayo, Lee and Smith all potential starters.
CORNERBACKS (9) Locks: Richard Sherman,
UP NEXT
Friday: Veterans and rookies report to training camp
Ahkello Witherspoon, K’Waun Williams
Bubble: Jason Verrett, Tim Harris, Dontae Johnson, Greg Mabin
Long shots: Emanuel Moseley, Alex Brown
Analysis: After no interceptions from this unit last season, the 49ers will improve, but with whom? Jobs are available. Verrett, if his Achilles cooperates, could supplant Witherspoon as a starter.
SAFETIES (9)
Locks: Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Marcell Harris, Tarvarius Moore Bubble: Adrian Colbert, Antone Exum, D.J. Reed Long shots: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Tyree
Robinson
Analysis: Ward and Tartt are perennial durability liabilities, but they’re solid when healthy. Colbert is hungry to win back the free safety role. Keep an eye on Harris and Moore, the latter converting back from cornerback. Flannian-Fowles (linebacker) and Robinson (cornerback) have auditioned at other spots.
SPECIALISTS (5) Locks: Robbie Gould (K), Mitch Wishnowsky (P), Kyle Nelson (LS), Colin Holba (LS)
Analysis: Gould is back after missing the offseason en route to a four-year deal. Wishnowsky’s skyhigh punts could prove him worthy of a fourth-round draft pick. Nelson has six games remaining on a banned-substances suspension, so Holba returns for that temp job.