49ers training camp depth chart: Defense faces health questions about Bosa, Ford
DeMeco Ryans shot up the depth chart this offseason to succeed Robert Saleh as the 49ers defensive coordinator. So what does Ryans have to work with now?
Here is how the 49ers’ defensive depth chart looks — after this earlier look at the offensive depth chart — heading into training camp, with players reporting Tuesday:
DEFENSIVE END
1. Nick Bosa
2. Kentavius Street
3. Jordan Willis
4. Alex Barrett
DEFENSIVE END
1. Dee Ford
2. Samson Ebukam
3. Arden Key
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1. Arik Armstead
2. D.J. Jones
3. Maurice Hurst
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1. Javon Kinlaw
2. Zach Kerr
3. Kevin Givens
4. Darrion Daniels
Analysis: It’s almost a boom-or-bust situation at defensive end, hinging on the comebacks of Nick Bosa (knee) and Dee Ford (back). Former Raiders’ Arden Key and Maurice Hurst should help the rotation along with Kerr. Finding edge rushers will allow Armstead to dominate inside on the pass rush like he did in 2019, while using him as a run defender on the edge.
MIKE LINEBACKER
1. Fred Warner
2. James Burgess Jr.
3. Jonas Griffith
WEAK-SIDE LINEBACKER
1. Dre Greenlaw
2. Elijah Sullivan
STRONG-SIDE LINEBACKER
1. Azeez Al-Shaair
2. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
3. Justin Hilliard
Analysis: Don’t read too much into the linebackers’ spots, because they’re cross-trained to play multiple spots. Greenlaw or Al-Shaair would fill in at middle linebacker if freshly paid Warner needs a break. Hilliard and Sullivan are trying to crack a solid unit as undrafted rookies. It’ll be interesting to see if safeties Marcell Harris and Talanoa Hufanga moonlight in linebacker drills.
LEFT CORNERBACK
1. Jason Verrett
2. Dontae Johnson
3. Tim Harris Jr.
RIGHT CORNERBACK
1. Emmanuel Moseley
2. Ambry Thomas
3. Ken Webster
4. Mark Fields
NICKEL BACK
1. K’Waun Williams
2. Deommodore Lennoir
Analysis: Thomas and Lennoir could make camp very interesting if they prove ready to challenge incumbent starters in Moseley and Williams, the latter being an elite slot cornerback but one who’s battled injuries in recent years. Richard Sherman’s return seems like more of a long shot after his recent arrest amid personal struggles.
FREE SAFETY
1. Jimmie Ward
2. Tavon Wilson
3. Kai Nacua
4. Jared Mayden
(5. Tarvarius Moore, PUP)
STRONG SAFETY
1. Jaquiski Tartt
2. Marcell Harris
3. Tony Jefferson
4. Talanoa Hufanga
Analysis: Moore had Achilles surgery a month ago, so the 49ers need to find quality options at free safety behind Ward. Jefferson’s comeback from a 2019 knee injury is worth watching.