Tartt Could Be One of NFL’s Best Strong Safeties in 2018

The 49ers have reason to be optimistic about having an improved defense in 2018.For starters, there are the young, first-round picks up front – Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas and DeForest Buckner – that have shown they could grow into something special. Then there's young middle linebacker Reuben Foster, who was terrific as a rookie. Plus, the entire unit will be playing its second season under coordinator Robert Saleh's system.In addition, there's the promise showed by safety Jaquiski Tartt in an injury-shortened season.Tartt, in his third season, played just nine games in 2017 because of a broken forearm, but seemed a perfect fit for Saleh's scheme at strong safety, where he played closer to the line of scrimmage to offer more run support. He also was able to fill in for a couple of games at free safety when Jimmie Ward was hurt, and has played cornerback. So, he's been a versatile performer in his three NFL seasons in the Bay Area.But it was as a strong safety that Tartt showed he could make the most impact on this defense in 2018 and beyond. The 6-foot-1, 221-pounder is a strong tackler and big hitter with great range. The analytic website Pro Football Focus graded...