49ers 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason Week 3
The 49ers have one final preseason game on Friday before Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch will set to work on finalizing their 53-man roster. That means a last opportunity for those on the fringes of the roster to impress and perhaps secure a spot on the regular-season depth chart. The vast majority of places on […]
The 49ers have one final preseason game on Friday before Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch will set to work on finalizing their 53-man roster.
That means a last opportunity for those on the fringes of the roster to impress and perhaps secure a spot on the regular-season depth chart.
The vast majority of places on the roster will already be set in stone, with those up for grabs likely only to be spots on the margins.
How might the final roster be shaping up heading into the exhibition with the Chargers? Here we try to provide an idea with our 53-man projection.
Quarterback (3)
In: Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, Trey Lance
Out: Brandon Allen
The Why: The only question left on the 49ers’ depth chart is whether Lance will be on it come the regular season. Given the 49ers’ insistence they are not quitting on Lance, the lack of obvious suitors and what it would cost the Niners to move on, the likelihood is he will be QB3 ahead of a signal-caller in Allen who has taken limited 11 on 11 reps in camp and has not played in preseason.
Running Back (5)
In: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Kyle Juszczyk, Jordan Mason, Tyrion Davis-Price
Out: Jeremy McNichols, Brian Hill, Jack Colletto
The Why: The running back depth chart has been locked in for some time. Davis-Price’s strides in camp have made the RB3 competition a little interesting, but Mason was impressive last week against the Broncos and will be favorite to be next in the pecking order after McCaffrey and Mitchell.
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: This has become a little more complicated with the injuries to McCloud (wrist) and Gray (shoulder). Expect them to both make the 53 only to be immediately placed on injury lists, freeing up likely one of Conley or Martin to start the season on the active roster. The question is how many receivers the 49ers carry once they are all healthy, with Gray’s spot seemingly in jeopardy because of his lack of special teams upside and the hugely impressive performance of Bell in preseason.
Tight End (3)
In: George Kittle, Cameron Latu, Charlie Woerner
Out: Brayden Willis, Ross Dwelley, Troy Fumagalli
The Why: The 49ers haven’t gotten enough from the tight ends on their roster to carry four. Third-round pick Latu saved himself with a strong showing against Denver that illustrated why the Niners originally felt so highly of him. Seventh-round pick Willis should be able to land back on the practice squad.
Offensive Line (8)
In: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz, Jon Feliciano, Jaylon Moore, Ilm Manning
Out: Matt Pryor, Nick Zakelj, Keith Ismael, Jason Poe, Corey Luciano, Leroy Watson, Alfredo Gutierrez
The Why: The backup offensive line for the Niners is a mess, but in Feliciano they at the very least have the benefit of experience to fall back on. Moore remains likely to make the team as the primary swing tackle despite a preseason that has raised questions about his viability in that role. The shock is rookie UDFA Manning, who has impressed at left tackle in preseason but could offer inside-out versatility, with many labeling him as a guard at the next level due to his undersized stature. That gives him the edge over Matt Pryor, who is an odd fit for the 49er run game. Simply put, Zakelj hasn’t been consistent enough to be considered one of the 49ers’ top backups on the interior. Poe should land back on the practice squad along with Watson.
Defensive Line (10)
In: Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Drake Jackson, Clelin Ferrell, Kerry Hyder Jr, Kevin Givens, Javon Kinlaw, Robert Beal Jr, T.Y. McGill
Out: Alex Barrett, Kalia Davis, Austin Bryant, Marlon Davidson, Breeland Speaks, Spencer Waege, LaDarius Hamilton
The Why: The big question on the defensive line is when Bosa will be signed to a contract extension that will end his lengthy holdout. Behind the projected starters, it is a difficult picture to put together because of the sheer level of depth the 49ers possess up front. McGill’s recent standout performance against Denver perhaps sealed his spot, while Beal may get the benefit of the doubt as a fifth-round rookie despite missing much of camp and not featuring in preseason. Of those missing out, Davis is a practice squad candidate, but the 49ers might hope to flip Davidson and Bryant for late-round draft capital before cutdown day. The former was outstanding in the win over Denver.
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: Graham and Winters arguably faced an uphill battle to make the roster when they were drafted as seventh and sixth-round picks respectively, however, the two rookies have shone throughout preseason and vaulted above several of the high-upside former undrafted free agents the Niners have at linebacker. Graham has been particularly impressive and the question is whether he has done enough to be the starting SAM linebacker alongside Warner and Greenlaw on base downs. If not, core special teamer Burks — dealing with a knee injury — will be expected to take that role. The Niners will likely look to get one of Flannigan-Fowles and McCrary-Ball on the practice squad.
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: Cornerback depth looked to be a clear area of weakness for the 49ers, but the performances of Thomas and Womack in camp and preseason should have them feeling much better about their options behind Ward and Lenoir. San Francisco is still figuring out its situation at nickel, where Lenoir and Oliver look set to rotate depending on the matchup. Undrafted rookie Jamison brings inside-out versatility and some return experience. Fifth-round pick Luter has not practiced, and presents an interesting conundrum for the 49ers, who will either have to try to sneak him on the practice squad or give him a roster spot and then perhaps stash him for the year.
Safety (4)
In: Tashaun Gipson, Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, George Odum
Out: Tayler Hawkins, Myles Hartsfield
The Why: Hawkins is a favorite of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, but is a candidate for the practice squad. Top pick Brown has looked the part in preseason, and it will be interesting to see whether he eats into the snaps of Gipson at any point this campaign. The use of three-safety looks appears to be an inevitability.
Specialists (3)
In: Jake Moody, Mitch Wishnowsky, Taybor Pepper
Out: Zane Gonzalez
The Why: Moody has frayed the nerves in preseason with a pair of missed field goals and a missed extra point, the first of his career. However, he did make three field goals, including the game-winner against the Broncos. The 49ers have trust in the third-rounder’s huge leg and will hope subsequent kicks will be made in more confident fashion in the regular season.
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