San Francisco 49ers: 10 Young Linchpin Players to Watch over Rest of 2015 Season

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) during the second half at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Safety Jaquiski Tartt

Perhaps the best story so far of the 49ers’ 2015 draft class has been the emergence of rookie safety Jaquiski Tartt.

Taken in Round 2, Tartt was the immediate backup for the starting tandem of Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea. But with Bethea (pectoral) out for the season, Tartt has seen his snap count increase as San Francisco’s new starter alongside Reid.

Tartt brings a physicality to the 49ers secondary, which hasn’t been seen since the free-agent departure of veteran safety Donte Whitner a while back. And the rookie is versatile enough to line up as an inside linebacker in various formations as necessary.

And his takedown of Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is yet another example of this.

"#SackCity@QuaskiThttps://t.co/4ClVpk7rPi — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 6, 2015"

Reid and cornerback Tramaine Brock (27 years old) are now the elder statesmen of the 49ers secondary with Bethea done for the year.

But Tartt is cementing himself as a bona fide force on the defensive side of the ball, which fits in perfectly to San Francisco’s future plans moving forward.

Next: Colin Kaepernick in 49ers' Plans for 2016 per Report

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.