The 49ers signed Craig Dahl in free agency and drafted Eric Reid in the first-round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Neither of the two opened up minicamp with the first-team defense. The open safety spot went to fifth-year veteran C.J. Spillman who joined San Francisco's starting defense at free safety to start the 49ers three-day mandatory minicamp. Dahl and Reid lined up with the second-team defense.
The defensive personnel adjustment was one of the more noticeable sights of the first day of minicamp. The defense recorded three interceptions on the day, too. Darcel McBath, Dahl and Tramaine Brock all intercepted third-year quarterback Scott Tolzien.
Spillman's first-team reps are worth monitoring this week. The 49ers have two more minicamp sessions and will then take time off before training camp begins in late July.
Both Dahl and Reid have taken first-team reps in OTAs and will be major factors in the competition to start opposite of Pro Bowl strong safety Donte Whitner. Reid, the No. 18 overall pick, turned in a quality pass breakup during a team period against second-string quarterback Colt McCoy.
Dahl recorded his interception by correctly reading Tolzien's out pattern intended to tight end Garrett Celek during a 7-on-7 period. The veteran safety stepped in front of the rookie and caught the ball at its highest point for the second takeaway of the day.
McBath intercepted Tolzien during a red zone 7-on-7 period. Brock turned in his takeaway in a team period when he stepped in front of post pattern intended for undrafted rookie wide receiver Chuck Jacobs.
The 49ers defensive backs had a strong showing to open the 2013 minicamp. The group looks to be competitive and will not be making the decision to name a starting free safety any easier at the moment.
Additional Minicamp Notes
-Marcus Lattimore ran a couple of sprints under the supervision of the team's medical staff. The rookie fourth-round running back has been progressing in his recovery from his second major knee surgery. This was the first public sprinting Lattimore has done in an open practice.
-Recently signed safety Raymond Ventrone saw action at wide receiver during the session, but did not record any receptions.
-Anquan Boldin continued to assert himself as a go-to guy for the first-team offense. Boldin caught several passes on the day from Colin Kaepernick.
-In the "move the ball" period of practice, Kaepernick led the first-team offense down the field for a field goal. McCoy's drive ended in a three-and-out. Tolzien drove the team in position for a field goal as well.
-A.J. Jenkins turned in a strong-handed reception during a late team period. The second-year wideout hauled in a skinny post from McCoy despite being covered tightly.
-CEO Jed York came out to watch the last hour of practice and spent time talking with general manager Trent Baalke.
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