Nick

Moody

Somewhat undersized at 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds, Moody will compete for a roster spot behind Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis. Moody played SAM ‘backer at Florida State, but he’ll move inside and run down kickoffs in San Francisco.

Moody (6-foot-1, 236) was a physical free safety on the Seminoles’ defense before converting to strong-side linebacker as a senior. He registered six career tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and a sack. Moody ran 4.71 at the Combine with a 1.59 ten-yard split and did 17 reps on the bench. Moody projects as a special teamer who could develop into a quality nickel ‘backer for the ultra-deep Niners.

Moody hurt his right hand during Sunday’s win over the Packers. The earliest the sixth-round rookie special teamer can return is Week 11.

It’s the first time we’ve heard Moody’s name in months after facing a four-game suspension and also dealing with legal issues during the offseason. He also worked out for the Chiefs before ultimately choosing to sign with Washington. Moody spent most of 2015 on the Seahawks’ practice squad. The Redskins needed an extra body at linebacker after losing Will Compton to a knee injury in Week 14.

A sixth-round rookie, Moody broke his hand in Week 1. He shouldn’t be returning to more than a role on special teams, and may not even be active for Week 11.

“A guy that’s really moving around and feeling the defense the right way is Nick Moody,” Tomsula said. “I’ve been pulling for Nick. He’s been working really hard.” A 2013 sixth-round pick, Moody has mostly been a special teams player, but did see two spot starts to close out last season. He could land a rotational role in the 49ers’ depleted linebacking corps with a good offseason.

A 2013 sixth-round pick out of Florida State, Moody played 165 defensive snaps for the 49ers last season. Moody played free safety in college, and he could be groomed as a box safety in the mold of Kam Chancellor in Seattle.

A 2013 sixth rounder, Moody appeared in all 16 games last season, making two starts. It speaks poorly to his NFL future that he couldn’t crack a linebacker corps racked by turnover this offseason.

It’s unclear which policy Moody has violated. The 2013 sixth-rounder spent most of last season on Seattle’s practice squad.

He was due in court to assure a judge that he would travel to California to take the stand in former teammate Aldon Smith’s DUI trial, which is expected to begin on May 2. Instead, Moody has gone off the grid, ignoring all calls, text messages and emails from prosecutors. The 26-year-old could be held in contempt of court. Moody appeared in three games for Seattle last year before suffering a torn ACL. He’s already facing a four-game suspension for an unknown violation.