San Francisco 49ers: 5 Potential Breakout Players in 2016

Safety Jaquiski Tartt

2015 Statistics

Second-year safety Jaquiski Tartt saw his role increased last year when veteran safety Antoine Bethea was lost for the season due to a pectoral injury.

Bethea could be a cap casualty this offseason, which would open up the door for the former Samford product to experience a more prominent role. Or, should Bethea return, Tartt would likely go back to occupying a middle linebacker position and third safety in various defensive formations — think Arizona Cardinals safety Deone Bucannon.

Tartt is a piece around which the 49ers will want to build. But the second-round pick of the Niners in the 2015 draft comes with his concerns.

Coverage was the primary liability in Tartt’s game last year. According to Pro Football Focus, Tartt graded out with a minus-8.7 pass-coverage grade.

That’s a number upon which the developing safety will need to improve.

Why He’ll Break Out

Despite the coverage woes, Tartt flashed his moments of brilliance. And physicality.

San Francisco lacked a strong, physical presence within its secondary ever since the free-agent departure of safety Donte Whitner. Tartt brings that.

And it’s not uncommon for young defensive backs to struggle in coverage their first season at the NFL level. The complex nature of pro routes can be difficult to master for first-year members of the secondary.

So Tartt should benefit from the year’s experience.

Next: LB Aaron Lynch