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For the first time since the end of training camp in 2019, roster projections are back. Now that the 49ers are through with most of free agency, and there are sure to be some bargain basement additions, it’s unlikely there’s a splash signing in Santa Clara. Here’s a look at what the 49ers’ roster might look like.
Offense
Quarterback
You’ll see both C.J. Beathard and Division III stud Broc Rutter, who won the Gagliardi Trophy (D-III’s Heisman), with 56 TD, 5 INT, 4,591 passing yards (71 percent passing) and a national championship in his senior season, in the same category. Based on what Beathard has displayed thus far and what Rutter showed on film, Rutter has the far higher ceiling and, while it’s tough to say until the two go head-to-head, Rutter is probably the better player.
The only real knock against him is that he played in D-III, but he has all the tools of a more than capable NFL quarterback. His pocket awareness and ball placement are tremendous, and ability his to throw on the run is surprisingly good. If Kyle Shanahan is willing to admit he made a mistake with Beathard, I’d expect Rutter to beat him out in camp.
Running back
Expect Shanahan to stick with Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman and Jeff Wilson Jr., although don’t count out cutting Coleman. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see either of JaMychal Hasty or Salvon Ahmed sneak onto the roster, and one of them will make the practice squad, assuming they’re not signed off waivers.
Fullback
Charlie Woerner is listed here, because he’s got the fullback skillset as much as he has a tight end skillset. He’s likely to make the roster as an athletic blocking option, with receiving upside in the long-term.
Tight end
Jalen Hurd is listed here because he’s effectively a tight end and has the size and everything you want a tight end to do. He was an aggressive blocker in training camp (and got into two fights because of it) and looked like a dynamic slot/H-back/tight end option. He won’t be pinned down in one position and if he’s healthy, he’ll make the 53-man.
Wide receiver
After Kendrick Bourne, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, no one is a lock, though Trent Taylor is the next-closest thing. Dante Pettis needs a solid camp to stick on the roster, though he did back up Samuel at the flanker position where the 49ers don’t have too many options. The most interesting option is Jauan Jennings, who is both Hurd insurance and a physical option who might just stand out in camp. With Aiyuk on the roster as a returner, Richie James Jr. might be on the way out unless he has a stellar camp, or beats out Pettis at the Z position. Whether Travis Benjamin can avoid Jordan Matthews’ fate of last season will also be worth keeping tabs on.
Offensive line
There are certainly enough options here, and there will be some tough decisions. Assuming the 49ers want to stay mostly young, the likely backup options are Justin Skule, Colton McKivitz and Ben Garland, with Shon Coleman and Tom Compton as the cuts, but that couldn’t be further from a certainty. There will be multiple battles for roster spots here, especially if San Francisco goes with eight and not nine linemen.
Defense
Defensive line
Kinlaw might not start from Day 1, but it could be a situation where he plays mostly third downs. The 49ers will rotate, but the ideal pass-rush lineup for them would likely be Bosa-Armstead-Kinlaw-Ford, with Kinlaw as the nose. The main question is who becomes the depth on the defensive line. Darrion Daniels is a crafty, physical undrafted option out of Nebraska, while Kevin Givens and Kentavius Street will probably battle for a roster spot. Jullian Taylor isn’t a lock, but the 49ers like what they saw out of him last year. Don’t be surprised to see Damontre Moore return or a veteran free agent signing on the edge; it’s unclear what Kerry Hyder has left in the tank and if old coach Kris Kocurek can re-ignite a once-promising career.
Linebacker
There are three locks here, with the remaining two (or potentially three spots) up for grabs. Joe Walker, based on his work last season and discernible relentlessness, seems likely to make it, meaning Azeez Al-Shaair and Mark Nzeocha may be fighting for a roster spot. Al-Shaair is younger and with upside, but Nzeocha is a favorite of special teams coach Richard Hightower.
Corner
The main question here is if both D.J. Reed and Tim Harris make the roster, and whether Jason Verrett can ever get healthy and challenge again. General manager John Lynch sounded very high on Harris, saying he, “…was having a really good camp and then had to go to Injured Reserve, but a guy that we’re excited about working with moving forward.” It would seem that wasn’t bluster based on the 49ers’ decision to leave the cornerback spot unaddressed in free agency and the draft.
Safety
There’s only one question at safety: who will back up Jaquiski Tartt? Marcell Harris could be it, but based on how many safety options the 49ers have signed and how many late-round options they interviewed, signs are that they weren’t happy with the coverage skills he displayed. The smart money is on Alabama’s Jared Mayden, an undrafted prospect who has good on-field instincts, and decent coverage ability. There will be serious competition at that second strong safety spot.
Special teams
They’re all coming back (probably). Robbie Gould makes too much money to be cut, Mitch Wishnowsky was drafted last year, and there’s little chance Shanahan wants to deal with another Russian roulette-style long snapper situation like the one that played out without Kyle Nelson at last season’s start.
Here is a list of all the 49ers’ additions:
Draftees
- DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
- WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
- OT/G Colton McKivitz, West Virginia
- TE Charlie Woerner, Georgia
- WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
Undrafted free agents
- QB Broc Rutter, Eastern Illinois
- RB JaMycal Hasty, Oregon
- RB Salvon Ahmed, Washington
- FB Josh Hokit, Fresno State
- DT Darrion Daniels, Nebraska
- TE Chase Harrell, Arkansas
- WR Chris Finke, Notre Dame
- LB Jonas Griffith, Indiana State
- DB DeMarkus Acy, Missouri
- S Ronnell Perkins, Missouri
- S Jared Mayden, Alabama
Free agents
- LB Joe Smith
- WR Travis Benjamin
- OG Tom Compton
- DE Kerry Hyder