Now that the NFL Draft has come and gone, it is time to start looking forward to training camp and the start of the season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have put together an excellent roster for the San Francisco 49ers that will come with tough cuts before the season kicks off. I'm going to make a way-too-early prediction on what the final 53-man roster could look like in September.
Quarterbacks (2): Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens
This is it. This is the year that Shanahan finally decides to move on from C.J. Beathard. Rookie UDFA Broc Rutter could come in and push for the third spot if they do decide to keep three. Other than that, Garoppolo and Mullens are clearly the best two at this position.
Running backs (5): Raheem Mostert, Jerick McKinnon, Tevin Coleman, JaMychal Hasty, Kyle Juszczyk
Okay, okay, Kyle Juszczyk is not a running back but I'm lumping him here anyway. With the trade of Matt Breida during the draft, there is one spot open and it is being filled by rookie UDFA JaMychal Hasty from Baylor. Jeff Wilson finds himself on the outside looking in but is most likely just an injury and phone call away from being back on the squad.
Wide receivers (7): Deebo Samuel, Kendrick Bourne, Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Hurd, Trent Taylor, Jauan Jennings, Richie James Jr.
There is a noticeable player absent from this list. Dante Pettis seemed to have landed himself in both Shanahan's and Garoppolo's dog houses over the course of the year. Since he was not traded during the draft, Pettis' likely future is either being traded during training camp or given his outright release. That means replacing Pettis and Emmanuel Sanders, who left in free agency to join the New Orleans Saints, with rookies Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. The coaching staff remains optimistic that Jalen Hurd and Trent Taylor will be on track to start the season healthy and on time.
Tight ends (3): George Kittle, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner
George Kittle is the best tight end in football and Ross Dwelley filled in admirably for Kittle when he missed time with injuries last season. Levine Toilolo signed with the New York Giants in the offseason. Insert rookie sixth-round pick Charlie Woerner in his spot as the blocking tight end and this group keeps on chugging.
Offensive line (8): Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, Weston Richburg, Daniel Brunskill, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Garland, Justin Skule, Colton McKivitz
For the first time in 13 years, the 49ers will start a season without stalwart left tackle Joe Staley. Trent Williams, acquired from the Washington Redskins in a trade on Day 3 of the draft, will take his place on the offensive line. Daniel Brunskill should replace the departed Mike Person at the right guard spot. Weston Richburg's health is up in the air meaning Ben Garland's position is safe as the backup center. Justin Skule and rookie Colton McKivitz make the roster as the other two backups.
Defensive line (9): Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Dee Ford, D.J. Jones, Ronald Blair, Jullian Taylor, Solomon Thomas, Kentavius Street
Along with Staley, DeForest Buckner was another long-tenured 49er who will not be suiting up in red and gold this year after being traded to the Indianapolis Colts. First-round pick Javon Kinlaw will be filling his shoes next to Bosa, Armstead and Ford. Solomon Thomas' fifth-year option was not picked up and he will be fighting for an extension or a payday in free agency. Jones, Blair, Taylor and Street all ended last season on the injured reserve and could begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. In that case, Kevin Givens could make an appearance until they are healthy.
Linebackers (5): Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander, Dre Greenlaw, Azeez Al-Shaair, Joe Walker
The top three form one of the best linebacker tandems in the league. Warner, Alexander and Greenlaw all possess the ability to play all three downs. Azeez Al-Shaair and Joe Walker, signed from the Arizona Cardinals, will fill duties in the event of injuries and play key roles on special teams.
Cornerbacks (7): Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, K'Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Tim Harris, DeMarkus Acy
The 49ers did not address this position at all during the draft and it largely remains the same. The only difference being D.J. Reed is edged out by a pair of newcomers. Tim Harris, drafted in the sixth-round in 2019, returns from injury and UDFA DeMarkus Acy uses his 4.45 speed to make the team.
Safety (4): Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Tarvarius Moore, Marcell Harris, Jared Mayden
The top four safeties return to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's defense along with the third undrafted free agent to make my prediction, Jared Mayden from Alabama. Keeping five safeties is a product of the injury histories for both Ward and Tartt and wanting to develop talent at one of the few aging position groups on the team.
Special teams (3): Robbie Gould, Mitch Wishnowsky, Kyle Nelson
Barring injury, these three are virtual locks for the roster.