Niner Noise
FanSided

2016 NFL Draft: Breaking Down San Francisco 49ers’ Biggest Needs

By Peter Panacy

Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers manager Trent Baalke poses for a photo in the locker room after a press conference for the introduction of Jim Tomsula (not pictured) as the head coach at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers manager Trent Baalke poses for a photo in the locker room after a press conference for the introduction of Jim Tomsula (not pictured) as the head coach at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dontae Johnson (36) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Dontae Johnson (36) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Backfield

The Niners secondary may be one of the lesser-important areas of concern entering 2016. For starters, San Francisco appears to have locked down its safety position. Veteran Antoine Bethea should return from his season-ending pectoral injury, and he’ll be joined by fellow safety Eric Reid as the starting tandem.

Second-year pro Jaquiski Tartt may be used in three-safety sets as well as being utilized as an inside linebacker-type in various packages. And nickel corner Jimmie Ward serves as a backup here after a solid second season with the 49ers.

But the cornerback position doesn’t exactly have a bona fide starting tandem. Aside from No. 1 corner Tramaine Brock, the 49ers haven’t developed a true No. 2 guy.

Defensive backs Kenneth Acker, Keith Reaser and Dontae Johnson are likely in the mix. All three are still young and developing. But none have separated themselves from the rest of the pack just yet.

Add on top of that general manager Trent Baalke’s like of defensive backs from previous drafts — three selected in either Round 1 or 2 the last three seasons — and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Niners grab another mid-round corner in 2016 to add to the competition.

Next: Running Back