San Francisco 49ers: Way-Too Early Predictions for 2017 Starting Lineup
By Peter Panacy
Secondary
Cornerback: Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson, Will Redmond (nickel)
Safety: Eric Reid, Jimmie Ward
Niner Noise’s Jerod Brown suggested veteran corner Tramaine Brock could end up losing his starting job this season.
It’s altogether possible. But the only cornerbacks I see possibly usurping Brock and a No. 1 slot are Kenneth Acker and Dontae Johnson. Johnson, all 6’2 and 200 pounds of him, will work into a starting role as the Niners look to match up favorably against bigger-bodied receivers.
The 49ers added three rookie corners during the NFL Draft this offseason — Will Redmond, Rashard Robinson and Prince Charles Iworah.
Redmond, per general manager Trent Baalke (h/t Ryan Sakamoto of Ninerfans.com) is expected to fill a slot corner role and, even though it’s not technically a starting position in a base defense, the prominence of sub packages in today’s NFL makes it no less important.
#49ers GM Trent Baalke said Redmond's primary role in 2016 will be nickel (slot). Just like Ward & Culliver before him, when they were rooks
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) April 30, 2016
Redmond assumes this role again in 2017, which will push defensive back Jimmie Ward to his natural safety position — a move which likely signifies the end of veteran safety Antoine Bethea’s tenure in San Francisco.
Baalke noted Jimmie Ward will eventually transition to safety. Not sure how that impacts Eric Reid. Not good for Bethea's future.
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) April 30, 2016
Not seen here is safety Jaquiski Tartt, but let’s expect him to be a hybrid safety, who occupies an in-the-box position and won’t necessarily be asked to cover deep routes as much.
Again, no less important.
Robinson will likely be a depth player, along with cornerback Kenneth Acker.
Next: Linebacker