49ers training camp newcomers: Safeties
From high-profile additions to NFL journeymen, The Bee provides a primer to the new players jockeying for position in training camp. Get to know the new faces at two position groups each day for both the 49ers and Raiders. Rosters are cut to 75 players Sept. 1 and 53 players Sept. 5. Read Matt Barrows’ in-depth position preview here.
The Bee’s Matt Barrows describes Antoine Bethea and Eric Reed as two smart, sturdy safeties.
The addition of Samford’s Jaquiski Tartt aids the secondary’s depth.
Key returners: Antoine Bethea, Eric Reid, Craig Dahl, Jimmie Ward
Key departures: Ray Ventrone
The newcomers
Jaquiski Tartt | 6-foot-1 | 221 pounds
Experience: Rookie (Samford)
Last year: Had 62 tackles, the second most on his team, and one interception.
The skinny: He was the 14th pick in the second round – and the third safety the 49ers have taken in a high round since 2013 – and faces the same challenge as all small-school players. Can he get it done at football’s highest level?
Jermaine Whitehead | 5-foot-11 | 193 pounds
Experience: Rookie (Auburn)
Last year: Had 36 tackles and a sack, and shared the team lead with six interceptions.
The skinny: He was given high marks for run support by NFL.com, which also points out Whitehead was suspended for four games last season following a verbal altercation with his position coach.
This story was originally published August 3, 2015 at 10:00 PM with the headline "49ers training camp newcomers: Safeties."