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Niner Noise

Predicting the 2016 San Francisco 49ers Week 17 Starting Lineup

By Peter Panacy

December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) makes an interception on a pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) makes an interception on a pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

San Francisco’s starting tandem of safeties this year will likely be Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea.

That’s fine. The two make up the oldest and most-experienced pairing within the 49ers secondary.

And there’s a good chance things stay that way too. But keep in mind Bethea is 31 years old, and his long-term future with San Francisco looks hazy at best.

The 49ers may also be looking to continue the development of second-year safety Jaquiski Tartt.

Tartt struggled last year in coverage — posting a minus-8.7 pass-coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) — but that’s to be expected from young defensive backs as they learn the nuances of covering pro-level receivers.

Even though the Niners will feature Tartt as a hybrid linebacker in sub packages, there’s a good chance he ends up taking over for Bethea in base formations too.

Let’s go with that prediction.

Week 17 Starters: Eric Reid and Jaquiski Tartt

Next: Cornerback