The San Francisco 49ers are going to cut their roster down to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. Originally back in April, I took a way too early look at what the roster could look like. Now less than 48 hours away from the deadline, I reexamine my picks and predictions.
Quarterbacks (3): Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard
In: C.J. Beathard
Out: N/A
COVID-19 made keeping a third QB absolutely necessary this season. Much to the chagrin of 49ers fans, Beathard survives another year on the roster and could possibly steal an important spot on an exceptionally talented team.
Running backs (5): Raheem Mostert, Jerick McKinnon, Tevin Coleman, Jeff Wilson Jr., Kyle Juszczyk
In: Jeff Wilson Jr.
Out: JaMycal Hasty
The only reason I have Hasty not making the team at this point is because I firmly believe that he will be easier to stash on the practice squad. Wilson made too many plays last year to clear through waivers and if Kyle Shanahan wants to keep him around, he'll have to be on the roster.
Wide receivers (6): Deebo Samuel, Kendrick Bourne, Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis, Richie James Jr.
In: Dante Pettis
Out: Jalen Hurd, Jauan Jennings
Jalen Hurd could end up being one of the greatest what-ifs for the 49ers as he landed on the injured reserve for the second straight year. Jennings has shown promise but the lack of rookie minicamps and OTAs have put him behind veterans. Dante Pettis comes back onto my final prediction with a decent showing in camp that had more ups than downs.
Tight ends (4): George Kittle, Jordan Reed, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner
In: Jordan Reed
Out: N/A
The biggest question mark for Jordan Reed will always be health but with the wide receivers dealing with a plethora of injuries, he could provide an incredible complement to Kittle in two tight end sets. Shanahan loves to play with formations and his eligibles so keeping four tight ends offsets only keeping six WRs.
Offensive line (8): Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, Daniel Brunskill, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Garland, Justin Skule, Tom Compton, Colton McKivitz
In: Tom Compton
Out: Weston Richburg (PUP)
If Richburg were able to start the year healthy, my initial prediction would not have changed in the least. This group will face the most scrutiny early on during the season as it tries to navigate the issues on the interior.
Defensive line (9): Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Dee Ford, D.J. Jones, Ronald Blair, Kerry Hyder, Solomon Thomas, Kentavius Street
In: Kerry Hyder
Out: Jullian Taylor (PUP)
Easily the deepest position group on the whole team, Kerry Hyder slides into the space vacated by Jullian Taylor's PUP assignment. Replacing DeForest Buckner will most likely come from a "Moneyball" approach as Robert Saleh looks to use a heavy rotation to keep fresh legs on the field.
Linebackers (5): Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander, Dre Greenlaw, Mark Nzeocha, Joe Walker
In: Mark Nzeocha
Out: Azeez Al-Shaair
I gave Mark Nzeocha the slight edge over Azeez Al-Shaair because of Nzeocha's prowess in the special teams. This year's wide receiver group does not offer much in the way of kick coverage players and that is where he will make his money.
Cornerbacks (5): Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, K'Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Jason Verrett
In: Jason Verrett
Out: DeMarkus Acy, Tim Harris
Jason Verrett, despite the recent injury, has done plenty enough to make this team. He has talent oozing out of his ears but his body has consistently failed him. If healthy, he can make an impact in Saleh's defense. DeMarkus Acy was cut early on in camp and Tim Harris has not done enough to stand out to warrant more than a spot on the practice squad.
Safety (5): Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Tarvarius Moore, Johnathan Cyprien, Jared Mayden
In: Johnathan Cyprien
Out: Marcell Harris
Johnathan Cyprien edges out Marcell Harris on the final cuts as the steady veteran presence on the back end of the defense. I'm sticking with Jared Mayden as my under-the-radar undrafted free agent who makes the team and a player who could see some time in the backup slot corner role.
Special teams (3): Robbie Gould, Mitch Wishnowsky, Kyle Nelson
No injuries here. These three remain the same.