Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

Strong Safety

Starter: Antoine Bethea

Backup: Jaquiski Tartt

The 2016 NFL Draft selection of cornerback Will Redmond might have put veteran safety Antoine Bethea’s tenure with the 49ers in a bit of jeopardy. Redmond looks to be tagged for the nickel role, which could have moved defensive back Jimmie Ward back to safety.

Ward probably gets a starting gig on the outside at corner though — we’ll get to that in a bit — which means Bethea isn’t going anywhere this season.

Recovered from a season-ending pectoral injury, Bethea (31 yeard old) is another one of the elder veterans in a young secondary, so it makes sense for the 49ers to keep him around for his leadership capabilities alone.

One of the young players he’ll be mentoring is second-year safety Jaquiski Tartt.

Tartt had problems in coverage last year — a minus-8.7 pass-coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus — but that’s not surprising for young defensive backs tending to struggle in such early in their pro careers.

But Tartt will be asked with occupying more of a middle linebacker position in sub packages, which makes his role that of a hybrid defensive back.

Next: Left Cornerback