Final 49ers 53-man roster prediction before the regular season
The 49ers will set their initial 53-man roster for the regular season on Tuesday as they set about going one further than their run to the NFC Championship Game last season. San Francisco has already made the toughest decision it will face through this process, electing to trade former third overall pick Trey Lance to […]
The 49ers will set their initial 53-man roster for the regular season on Tuesday as they set about going one further than their run to the NFC Championship Game last season.
San Francisco has already made the toughest decision it will face through this process, electing to trade former third overall pick Trey Lance to the Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round selection in 2024.
But Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch face a lot more difficult calls, the Niners head coach and general manager set to be tasked with cutting a host of players who are good enough to quickly find new homes with other teams from one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.
How might the final roster take shape? Here we try to provide an idea with our final 53-man projection. And, if you care to look back at our previous projection, here's our previous effort from before the final preseason game.
Quarterback (3)
In: Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, Brandon Allen
The Why: The trade of Lance removed any doubt as to how the quarterback room would look. The question now is how comfortable the 49ers can afford to feel in their quarterback insurance having removed him from the equation.
Running Back (5)
In: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Kyle Juszczyk, Jordan Mason, Tyrion Davis-Price
Out: Jeremy McNichols, Brian Hill, Jack Colletto
The Why: No shocks here. The 49ers have arguably the deepest backfield in the NFL, with both Mason and Davis-Price shining in preseason. If McCaffrey and Mitchell can stay healthy, they can form the league’s most dynamic tandem at the position.
Wide Receiver (6)
In: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ronnie Bell, Danny Gray, Ray-Ray McCloud
Out: Tay Martin, Chris Conley, Willie Snead IV, Isaiah Winstead, Anthony Miller
The Why: Neither Gray nor McCloud are likely to be available for Week 1 because of injuries. Chris Conley and Willie Snead are practice squad candidates who could be asked to fill their spots in the opening weeks. Rookie seventh-round pick Bell’s strong preseason essentially secured his place on the roster.
Tight End (3)
In: George Kittle, Cameron Latu, Charlie Woerner
Out: Brayden Willis, Ross Dwelley, Troy Fumagalli
The Why: Latu suffered a meniscus injury that may require surgery in the preseason finale. As such, he looks set to go on injured reserve designated to return and open a spot on the depth chart behind Kittle and Woerner.
Offensive Line (9)
In: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz, Jon Feliciano, Jaylon Moore, Matt Pryor, Keith Ismael
Out: Nick Zakelj, Jason Poe, Ilm Manning, Corey Luciano, Leroy Watson, Joey Fisher, Alfredo Gutierrez
The Why: The 49ers could still add to an offensive line that saw its backups largely struggle in preseason. The reserves were better in the preseason finale against the Chargers, though, with swing tackle Jaylon Moore and veteran Matt Pryor both impressing. Ismael brings additional guard-center versatility and built an excellent case for a place on the roster with two strong preseason showings.
Defensive Line (9)
In: Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Drake Jackson, Clelin Ferrell, Kerry Hyder Jr, Kevin Givens, Javon Kinlaw, T.Y. McGill
Out: Alex Barrett, Robert Beal Jr, Kalia Davis, Marlon Davidson, Austin Bryant, Breeland Speaks, Spencer Waege, LaDarius Hamilton
The Why: The 49ers will hope to finally get Bosa signed to a contract extension before Tuesday. Should they fail, he will retain a ‘did not report’ designation and open another spot at an extremely deep position group. San Francisco might have a challenge sneaking either of Davidson or Bryant onto the practice squad, but they will be more confident of doing so with Davis and Beal, both of whom were largely conspicuous by their absence in training camp and preseason.
Linebacker (5)
In: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Oren Burks, Jalen Graham, Dee Winters
Out: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Curtis Robinson, Kyahva Tezino
The Why: The 49ers are spoiled for choice at linebacker and may be nervous about trying to sneak one of Flannigan-Fowles or McCrary-Ball on the practice squad, but rookies Graham and Winters have played their way onto the team in preseason and San Francisco will not to risk releasing either and losing them to another team. Burks is set to be the starting SAM linebacker in base downs when he returns from a knee injury.
Cornerback (6)
In: Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Ambry Thomas, Isaiah Oliver, Samuel Womack III, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: A.J. Parker, Darrell Luter Jr, Qwuantrezz Knight, Tre Swilling, Nate Brooks
The Why: What the 49ers do at nickel is still not entirely clear following a disappointing preseason for Oliver, but they must be pleased with how the likes of Thomas, Womack and Jamison have swelled their depth with their showings in camp and the exhibition schedule.
Safety (4)
In: Tashaun Gipson, Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, George Odum
Out: Tayler Hawkins, Myles Hartsfield
The Why: Brown has looked like he belongs throughout the offseason program, training camp and preseason. The 49ers’ top pick will eventually succeed Gipson as the starting free safety. For now, expect San Francisco to utilize his versatility as often as possible and even get him on the field at the same time as Gipson and Hufanga in three-safety looks.
Specialists (3)
In: Jake Moody, Mitch Wishnowsky, Taybor Pepper
Out: Zane Gonzalez
The Why: With Moody’s Week 1 status up in the air with a quad strain and Gonzalez out several weeks with a calf injury, the 49ers may need to sign another kicker for the opener in Pittsburgh.
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Featured Image Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
