Niner Noise
FanSided

How a Switch to a 4-3 Defense Shakes Up the 49ers 2017 NFL Draft Plans

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Other Things to Consider

Part of adapting Seattle’s 4-3-like defense in San Francisco is understanding what the Seahawks do with their safeties.

Earl Thomas is one of the best in the league at patrolling “center field” from the free safety position. Currently, the 49ers have Eric Reid in this role. Yet Reid is a free agent after this season, and one could make the argument his play has steadily decreased since his Pro Bowl rookie season in 2013.

One thought — a good one — is to move Jimmie Ward from cornerback to free safety, which is his natural position.

Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) pushes New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) out of bounds during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The New York Jets defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) pushes New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) out of bounds during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The New York Jets defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

This would move Reid over to the strong safety side, which traditionally lines up closer to the box. It’s something Reid did more of in former defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil’s scheme last season, so it wouldn’t be totally unfamiliar.

More from Niner Noise

Yet the Niners could see if they can get a return from 2015 second-round pick Jaquiski Tartt in the strong safety role. Tartt has the meanness and big-hit capability — something Reid has largely lacked since concussions became a concern.

Nevertheless, the 49ers do have some likable options if they indeed move to a 4-3 defense. It’s not perfect, but a solid NFL Draft class could help alleviate some of the shortages and needed upgrades.

Next: How John Lynch Hiring Affects the 49ers Draft Plans

If it works, San Francisco’s defense might go from a laughingstock to actually being pretty good.