The San Francisco 49ers are once again recognized as having one of the best rosters in the NFL. Is it perfect? No. There are concerns about the offensive line, particularly on the right side. The defensive interior lost veteran Arik Armstead. At safety, Talanoa Hufanga returns from a major injury, while Ji'Ayir Brown enters his sophomore NFL season.
Still, the team boasts an impressive amount of talent and depth that few others can match.
NFL Media's Eric Edholm recently assessed the league and identified the 10 most complete teams entering the 2024 season. The 49ers topped his list, ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
"You can't have a list of the best rosters and not offer up the 49ers," Edholm noted. "They might not be as strong at quarterback as other teams featured on this list are, but Brock Purdy showed growth last season. Plus, he has arguably the best play-caller in the business in Kyle Shanahan and a terrific supporting cast."
That supporting cast includes offensive stars like Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle. The team even added another weapon by drafting wide receiver Ricky Pearsall from Florida with the No. 31 overall pick.
Edholm acknowledged the team's few weaknesses but emphasized that their overall talent should compensate for these areas.
"There are a few Niners units that might not be truly special, such as the offensive line (even with Trent Williams), secondary and special teams, but there really isn't a position that you can consider a glaring weakness," Edholm explained.
"The defense was a top-10 unit a season ago and will bring back standouts such as Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, Javon Hargrave and Talanoa Hufanga. The depth across the board, but especially on defense, is better than it was a few years ago. That's impressive, considering the number of bold, expensive moves the team has made to land star talents."
While Brock Purdy's teammates insist they couldn't have reached the Super Bowl without him, Edholm isn't ready to call him "elite" just yet. Nonetheless, scanning the 49ers' depth chart reveals one of the most competitive rosters in the league.
With key players returning and new talent added to an already formidable roster, the 49ers are well-positioned to contend for another Super Bowl run in the 2024 season.
