… Despite some injuries trying to derail San Francisco’s chances at getting back to the Super Bowl, training camp has already had some positive moments. One of the biggest surprises, at least to some, is how well Eric Reid has looked so far. The question is just how much of an impact can the free safety have in games this season?

After trading up to the #18 pick, the 49ers took the All-American safety out of LSU to improve their already outstanding defense to become the #2 ranked defense in fantasy football in 2013. The team needed to find a replacement for All-Pro Dashon Goldson, who signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the offseason. While Reid might not be all the way at that level so far, he has already solidified himself as a starter.

Early reports have another safety, Craig Dahl playing opposite of Donte Whitner, which but Reid should get his chance to shine pretty early, which would make the secondary very dangerous for the opposition. The initial preseason depth chart has Dahl as the starting free safety, but that could very well change as soon as this Thursday for the preseason opener. In 2013, Reid could very well have some slight growing pains, but he is already a big and physical safety that should adjust to the pro game rather well. He has been known to be a tad too overaggressive at times, but the veterans on the team should allow him to settle down a bit in that regard.

Overall, the plan since draft day has been to get Reid ready to start right away. The 49ers needed a mature free safety to make an impact and help get back to the Super Bowl in year one, and they feel they have him. He might not have an All-Pro season, but he will more than hold his own in the secondary during the 2013 NFL season.