Niner Noise
FanSided

Breaking down what the 49ers’ defense will look like in 2018

By Florito Maniego

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 and Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Brock Coyle #50 and Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up the pass to Dede Westbrook #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up the pass to Dede Westbrook #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Defensive Backs

The 49ers’ secondary unit has been nonetheless inconsistent throughout the past few years. In 2017, Football Outsiders ranked San Francisco 28th in pass defense, with an overall percentage of 23.6 percent.

Though, with the development of cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and safety Adrian Colbert, the future is looking bright for the 49ers’ defensive backs.

Safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward will also return from their respective injuries, which would add more depth to the secondary.

San Francisco, however, still needs to add an elite cornerback to line up opposite of Witherspoon. The 49ers could look into free agency or draft a cornerback to revamp the secondary unit.

Once this issue is addressed, the 49ers’ pass defense could improve drastically against many of the NFL’s talented quarterbacks and receivers.

San Francisco’s secondary uses a lot of Cover 3 plays, which usually involves two deep cornerbacks and one deep safety in the middle.

For instance, during Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers in 2017, cornerbacks Dontae Johnson and Rashard Robinson lined up against the two wide receivers, with Tartt covering the middle.

Quarterback Cam Newton threw the ball deep toward receiver Kelvin Benjamin, only for Tartt to make an interception.

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Despite a few big plays throughout the season, San Francisco’s defensive backs often had sub-par performances against opposing receivers. Though, acquiring more talented cornerbacks this offseason would provide an upgrade to the secondary.

With the ascension of Witherspoon, Tartt and Colbert, the 49ers’ group of ballhawks is looking formidable heading into the new season.

Next: NFL quarterback tiers: Categorizing league starters for 2018

Especially with the addition of a top free agent or draft prospect into the starting lineup, San Francisco’s secondary would be fun to watch in 2018.