Breaking down the 49ers' initial 53-man roster
The 49ers have the initial roster of 53 players they have tabbed for what they hope will be a Super Bowl charge in the 2023. San Francisco finalised its roster cuts on Tuesday, letting go of some talented players who impressed in preseason. That is an illustration of how deep the 49ers roster is, though […]
The 49ers have the initial roster of 53 players they have tabbed for what they hope will be a Super Bowl charge in the 2023.
San Francisco finalised its roster cuts on Tuesday, letting go of some talented players who impressed in preseason.
That is an illustration of how deep the 49ers roster is, though there are still questions that need to be answered if they are to achieve the ultimate goal this campaign.
The roster will change over the coming 48 hours, but let's take a look at the 53 as it stands after cutdown day.
Quarterback (3)
In: Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, Brandon Allen
The Skinny: The 49ers' QB depth chart was set following the Trey Lance trade. It's all on Purdy to stay healthy for his first full season as starter. If he doesn't, the pressure on Darnold to vindicate Kyle Shanahan's faith in him will be immense.
Running Back (5)
In: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Kyle Juszczyk, Jordan Mason, Tyrion Davis-Price
Out: Jeremy McNichols, Brian Hill, Jack Colletto
The Skinny: If everyone stays healthy, it could be the best backfield in the NFL led by the NFL's most dynamic duo at the position in McCaffrey and Mitchell. Still, it's a big if.
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 Skinny: Gray and McCloud are in doubt for Week 1 and they could each start the season on injured lists, opening up potential spots for the likes of Conley and Snead.
Tight End (4)
In: George Kittle, Charlie Woerner, Brayden Willis, Ross Dwelley
Out: Troy Fumagalli
Injured Reserve: Cameron Latu
The Skinny: Third-round rookie Latu is done for the year after a meniscus injury that will likely require surgery, opening the door for versatile seventh-rounder Willis to make an impact year one.
Offensive Line (9)
In: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz, Jon Feliciano, Jaylon Moore, Matt Pryor, Nick Zakelj
Out: Ilm Manning, Keith Ismael, Jason Poe, Corey Luciano, Leroy Watson, Alfredo Gutierrez, Joey Fisher
The Skinny: There is a massive onus on McKivitz to step in at right tackle and fill the void left by Mike McGlinchey. More worrying, though, is the lack of depth behind the starting unit, with the backups largely struggling in preseason until a drastic improvement in the finale against the Chargers.
Defensive Line (8)
In: Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Drake Jackson, Clelin Ferrell, Kevin Givens, Javon Kinlaw, Robert Beal Jr, Kalia Davis
Out: Kerry Hyder Jr, T.Y. McGill, Alex Barrett, Marlon Davidson, Austin Bryant, Breeland Speaks, Spencer Waege, LaDarius Hamilton
Did Not Report: Nick Bosa
The Skinny: Bosa's contract extension remains the most pressing concern for the 49ers, who desperately need their ace to elevate the edge rush options of a defensive line that is sorely lacking in that area without him. Hyder and Bryant were cut as procedural moves and will be re-signed on Wednesday.
Linebacker (6)
In: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Oren Burks, Jalen Graham, Dee Winters, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
Out: Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Curtis Robinson, Kyahva Tezino
The Skinny: The 49ers are spoiled for choice at linebacker, with the preseason performances of Graham and Winters stacking the deck even further. San Francisco is hopeful Burks will be ready for Week 1 despite a knee injury. He'll be their starting SAM linebacker if he returns.
Cornerback (5)
In: Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Ambry Thomas, Isaiah Oliver, Samuel Womack III
Out: D’Shawn Jamison, Qwuantrezz Knight, Tre Swilling, Nate Brooks
Injured Reserve: A.J. Parker
Reserve/PUP: Darrell Luter Jr
The Skinny: Lenoir might suddenly be the most important player in the 49er secondary, as he looks set to again start outside but kick inside on nickel downs. Ambry Thomas' renaissance will likely see him play outside corner in those situations.
Safety (4)
In: Tashaun Gipson, Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, George Odum
Out: Myles Hartsfield
Injured Reserve: Tayler Hawkins
The Skinny: Hufanga has recently dealt with a minor injury, but he and Gipson are set to reprise a profitable partnership that yielded nine interceptions last year. Waiting in the wings to take over from Gipson is top pick Brown, who looked the part throughout preseason and should find his way onto the field for at least some defensive snaps as a rookie.
Specialists (3)
In: Jake Moody, Mitch Wishnowsky, Taybor Pepper
Injured Reserve: Zane Gonzalez
The Skinny: Moody's quad strain may leave the 49ers needing to sign a kicker for Week 1, with their Gonzalez backup plan out of the window following his calf injury.
49ers have a chance to snare another impact player from NFC rivals
A deal would be a big boost to the pass rush.
Featured Image Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
