placeholder image

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports


Tarvarius Moore not quite ready to be 49ers’ starting safety, says Robert Saleh

Aug 4, 2019 at 9:15 AM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Second-year defensive back Tarvarius Moore is getting a lot of reps with the first-team defense at free safety. Despite any positives he is showing on the practice field, the coaching staff doesn't appear ready to declare him a starting-caliber safety just yet.

"He's been progressively getting better," defensive coordinator Robert Saleh on Tuesday. "He's by no means even close to being an NFL-ready safety by Week 1, but he is getting progressively better."

Four days later, Saleh was asked about Moore again. The coach's view didn't change much, which is understandable. Four days and three more practices aren't enough to significantly alter Saleh's opinion. He did, however, praise the young defensive back while clarifying why Moore is not yet ready to jump into a starting role.

"He's getting better," Saleh said. "Tarvarius does not lack athleticism, does not lack instincts. He does not lack burst or anything like that. That's not his problem. He's not a dumb guy. He's actually really smart. And so, for Tarvarius, he's only been playing the position for a couple weeks, if you think about it, here for our team. He's been a corner."

I'll pause right there because this seems like an excellent opportunity to point out that Moore's natural position in college was at safety. He flourished there. The 49ers decided to move him to cornerback after (or before) making him a third-round draft pick last year.

While Moore felt safety was the most natural fit, the then-rookie defensive back embraced the possibility of a position switch.

"We talked about playing corner some," Moore told reporters via a conference call just minutes after hearing his name called in the draft, "so I could definitely see myself maybe transitioning to corner or that nickel position. I think I'm definitely versatile enough that I can play a lot of positions in the secondary. So, wherever they need me, I'll be happy to go play."

Moore anticipated primarily being used as a safety until San Francisco's coaches told him otherwise. Now, the 49ers are transitioning him back to cornerback, the position many, including Moore, felt made the most sense in the first place.

While the experience of playing at corner makes him more versatile for the 49ers, the lack of experience at his natural position — the position he will play in 2019 — seemingly sets him back a bit.

Saleh doesn't believe Moore lacks the skillset to thrive as a starting NFL safety; he just needs more time. The defensive coordinator wants to see Moore gain confidence in his assignments. That's something that will come with reps.

"The instinctual part, you can see it," Saleh continued. "He gets on course very well. He's got good feel in the backend on when to stay deep and when to cut it short. It's just, he takes really good angles, so he's got a chance to be good. He's just got to continue to get better every day."

Then you have often-injured defensive back Jimmie Ward working his way back from a fractured collarbone. The coaching staff has always been high on Ward. He just hasn't been able to stay on the field. Right now, he is being eased back.

Will Ward be handed the opportunity to start? Saleh isn't ready to commit to anything right now when it comes to the veteran defensive back's place in the depth chart.

"Once we cross that bridge with the trainers and how the performance staff sees it, we'll cross it," Saleh added.



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers mailbag: What is Brandon Staley's role with the defense? Will SF add a starting safety? Thoughts on new hip-drop tackle rule?

By Marc Adams
Mar 27

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on Tuesday at the NFL meetings in Orlando. He addressed multiple topics, from coaching moves, to new rules, to free agency additions and losses. On Monday, GM John Lynch met with the media and answered questions himself. So they have given us some things to discuss during the offseason. We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag this week to answer your questions. Some were related to the topics Shanahan and Lynch discussed. Others were not. Let's jump in and see what is on your mind. Do the 49ers add a starting safety? Who would be the best fit, and is Talanoa Hufanga's job safe? - Dave B. It wouldn't surprise me if the 49ers added another safety in free agency. In fact, I'd say it's


placeholder image

49ers actively negotiating with Brandon Aiyuk, not discussing trades, says John Lynch

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

General manager John Lynch addressed reporters at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, emphasizing the San Francisco 49ers' active pursuit of a contract extension for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. There has been significant speculation surrounding Aiyuk's status this offseason. The receiver is slated to play on his fifth-year option, which guarantees him $14.124 million in 2024. While the team would be content with Aiyuk playing on that fifth-year option, it would prefer to secure the star receiver to a long-term deal before he returns to the field. RELATED: Brandon Aiyuk reacts to John Lynch's latest contract negotiation


placeholder image

49ers hosting safety Julian Blackmon on free-agency visit

By David Bonilla
Mar 21

Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reports that free agent safety Julian Blackmon is visiting with the San Francisco 49ers today. Schultz wrote on social media, "Blackmon has several suitors after enjoying a career season with the Colts, which included 4 INTs." Free agent safety Julian Blackmon is visiting the #49ers today, sources tell @BleacherReport.Blackmon has several suitors after


placeholder image

49ers' John Lynch provides Talanoa Hufanga update, discusses plan at safety

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

The San Francisco 49ers have been actively exploring options at safety this offseason, both in free agency and during their draft evaluations. A recent report from the San Francisco Chronicle indicated that All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga's starting position is not guaranteed for the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn ACL sustained on November 19, 2023. During a media session at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, general manager John Lynch shared an update on Hufanga's progress, noting that offseason roster additions could still occur. "Talanoa is doing really well. That's the great news," Lynch said of his young rehabbing safety. "He's rehabbing extremely well,


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone