49ers: Way-Too-Early Look at San Francisco's 2017 Starting Lineup

San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Prediction of the 2017 Starting Lineup

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-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 /

Safety

Free Safety: Eric Reid

Strong Safety: Jaquiski Tartt

Veteran safety Antoine Bethea still has one more year on his current contract. But the 32-year-old defensive back is starting to show his age within the Niners backfield.

He was out of position numerous occasions this preseason, and his blown coverage against Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen in Week 2 wasn’t a good look either.

Second-year pro Jaquiski Tartt will have another year of NFL action under his belt when 2017 kicks off. And this should be the time where San Francisco slides him into a traditional safety role instead of a hybrid position.

Tartt’s coverage abilities should be honed by then. Young defensive backs often struggle early in their pro careers — see Jimmie Ward — so Tartt would be worth the call.

Next: Cornerback