49ers depth chart 2022: Predicting defensive starting lineup
By Peter Panacy
It’s pretty easy to predict what the 49ers’ starting defensive lineup in 2022 will look like, but there are a few key holes yet to be filled.
The San Francisco 49ers start training camp next week, and that’ll go a long way towards answering questions about which fringe players on the offseason roster have the best chance to either hang around into the regular season, or at best, whether or not they can secure key roles in 2022.
In some regard, the Niners don’t have too many question marks as far as the starting lineup is concerned. There are only a handful of offensive points of wonder, while coordinator DeMeco Ryans’ defense will look to pick up where it left off on a strong note last season.
Still, Ryans and Co. do have some serious questions to answer once camp begins on July 26.
San Francisco’s defensive line, arguably still its strongest overall unit, isn’t quite set in stone. And the secondary, addressed heavily by the team during the offseason, carries some doubt nevertheless.
As we prepare for the upcoming season, let’s go ahead and do a prediction about what the 49ers’ defensive starting lineup will be heading into 2022 based on what we know now.
49ers Safety
Free Safety: Jimmie Ward
Strong Safety: Talanoa Hufanga
The Niners said goodbye to their long-time starting strong safety, Jaquiski Tartt, during the offseason. And while Tartt might be remembered most recently for his dropped would-be interception in the NFC Championship game, it shouldn’t erase just how vital a role Tartt played within San Francisco’s secondary in recent years.
In his stead, the 49ers appear poised to give second-year pro Talanoa Hufanga the starting gig, at least based on him lining up with the first-team unit during offseason workouts so far.
Hufanga’s lack of speed and athleticism could be points of concern, though, and the Niners would likely be pressed into starting other reservists like George Odum and Tarvarius Moore if Hufanga falls short of expectation.
That’ll be a watch point during training camp.
Meanwhile, there’s little need to worry about veteran free safety Jimmie Ward.