It has now been over a week since the NFL Draft and the San Francisco 49ers have added seven drafted rookies and ten undrafted rookie free agents. Here is a "way-too-early" projection of the 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks
Currently there are four quarterbacks – Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard, and undrafted rookie Wilton Speight. Due to needs at other spots, expect the 49ers to try to move Beathard in a trade and possibly retain Speight on the practice squad.
Expected to make the roster: 2
Running Backs
This is a deep squad with Matt Breida, Jerick McKinnon, and Tevin Coleman in the same backfield. Expect Coach Shanahan to do some creative things to get all of them a lot of reps during the season. Raheem Mostert was re-signed in the offseason for his great special teams abilities and reliability as an effective backup. Jeff Wilson will be the odd man out and undrafted rookie Austin Walter will be playing for a spot on the practice squad.
Expected to make the roster: 4
Fullbacks
Kyle Juszczyk is the best in the business and adds a lot of versatility to the Shanahan offense. It'll be good to have him around for 2019.
Expected to make the roster: 1
Wide Receivers
The 49ers knew they had a glaring need at receiver and it was addressed. First, Jordan Matthews was signed to a cheap, one year "show-me" deal. Next we saw Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd get drafted, and finally the additions of undrafted free agents Malik Henry and Shawn Poindexter.
There is a lot that can happen, but the locks include Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel, and Marquise Goodwin. Trent Taylor and Kendrick Bourne should make the squad. The surprise (to some) will be listing Hurd as the third tight end, which will open a spot for Richie James, Matthews, Max McCaffrey, and the undrafted rookies.
Jordan Matthews will surprise everyone and add a veteran presence to this young corps. Richie James could be traded during preseason in this scenario.
Expected to make the roster: 6
Tight Ends
George Kittle had the best season a tight end has ever had in terms of yardage in 2018. Kaden Smith was drafted in the sixth round and fills a need as both a large red-zone threat and blocker. Jalen Hurd can play tight end and will be listed as one, as stated above.
The odd ones out will be Garrett Celek, Ross Dwelley, and the undrafted Tyree Mayfield
Expected to make the roster: 3
Offensive Tackles
Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey are locks. The question will be how many tackles will be kept on the roster for depth. The strongest candidates are sixth round pick Justin Skule and Shon Coleman, but only one will make it. Daniel Brunskill and Christian DiLauro are longshots.
Expected to make the roster: 3
Offensive Guards
Laken Tomlinson is a lock. Mike Person is a virtual lock. While Joshua Garnett did not have his fifth year option picked up, he still has a good chance to make this year's roster. The biggest competition will be between Garnett, Ben Garland, and undrafted rookie Ross Reynolds. Najee Toran and Willie Beavers will have an uphill climb.
Expected to make the roster: 4
Centers
Weston Richburg will hopefully be back to full strength after battling through multiple injuries in 2018. Erik Magnuson is the favorite to win the backup spot, but will be challenged by Wesley Johnson.
Expected to make the roster: 2
Defensive Line
The locks are DeForest Buckner, Dee Ford and rookie Nick Bosa. Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead and 2018 redshirt Kentavius Street are virtual locks. The next wave of likely "makes" are D.J. Jones and Sheldon Day. Ronald Blair showed a lot of promise last year, but he seems like a likely preseason trade candidate. Cedrick Thornton came out of retirement, but it doesn't seem like there will be enough room for him on the roster.
The longshots include Julian Taylor, Damontre Moore, Kapron Lewis-Moore, and undrafted rookies Jamell Garcia-Williams and Kevin Givens.
Expected to make the roster: 8
Linebackers
Kwon Alexander (WILL) and Fred Warner (MIKE) will be starting on Week 1. Malcolm Smith took a pay cut and is the current leader to start at the SAM position. Mark Nzeocha could be the backup SAM, but only six linebackers could be kept. For depth, expect Elijah Lee, David Mayo, and fifth round pick Dre Greenlaw to make the squad.
Expected to make the roster: 6
Cornerbacks
Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett lead the way at corner, with Ahkello Witherspoon and Tavarius Moore right behind them. K'Waun Williams had a good 2018 and will remain the slot corner. D.J Reed and sixth round pick Tim Harris make the team. The longshots are Emmanuel Moseley and Greg Mabin.
Expected to make the roster: 7
Safeties
This is the weak spot of the defense and is pretty wide open. The likely starters at this point are Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward. Adrian Colbert has starting experience and probably makes the team. Marcell Harris and Antone Exum will be battling for the backup strong safety spot. This is another place where an undrafted rookie could make the team as Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and Cameron Glenn will have a chance. Tyree Robinson is also a longshot.
Expected to make the roster: 4
Special Teams
Kicker – Robbie Gould
Long Snapper – Colin Holba
Punter – Mitch Wishnowsky
