The San Francisco 49ers entered training camp with significant roster turnover following an offseason overhaul that included 11 draft picks and several undrafted free agents (UDFAs). With so many fresh faces, there are opportunities for newcomers to compete for roster spots.
"I think we have as much position spots open, the final 53, the practice squad, as really we've had since probably 2018," head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week. "And I really want everyone to come in and focus strictly on that—be the best you can be, work every day, and we'll see what that adds to make our team collectively."
Candidates to watch
Among the undrafted players, wide receiver Isaiah Neyor stands out due to his size, having previously been the tallest wideout on the roster before Equanimeous St. Brown's arrival. Linebacker Stone Blanton and running back Corey Kiner also possess skill sets that could help them compete for depth roles.
However, when Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski listed the UDFA with the best chance to make each NFL roster, his pick for the 49ers was cornerback Jakob Robinson.
Why Jakob Robinson?
Sobleski notes that the 49ers drafted Upton Stout, a cornerback from Western Kentucky, in the third round to primarily fill the nickel role, freeing Deommodore Lenoir to play more frequently on the outside.
"With that being the case, Stout could use a backup," Sobleski explained. "Granted, Lenoir can still cover inside receivers depending on the alignment. But it's clear where Stout will primarily contribute. Fellow rookie Jakob Robinson can come in and work hand-in-hand with Stout."
Robinson, who played four seasons at BYU, recorded 11 interceptions during his collegiate career and brings nickel experience to the 49ers.
"Robinson served as BYU's primary nickel corner last season," Sobleski wrote. "He has outside experience, of course, but his 5'10", 181-pound frame likely limits his options.
"Then again, Niners brass also see the explosiveness in his testing numbers and should believe he has the tools to excel as part of the cornerback room."
The 49ers' roster competition is wide open, and Robinson could carve out a key role as a depth piece behind Stout.