Post Draft 53 Man Roster | Page 19

Karma · 2025-04-30T11:50:37-07:00

In the most anticipated draft for this team in the last decade or so, I came away feeling good about the state of the team. Yes, the OL was again neglected and there was a severe lack of "sexy" picks, but the balance between the floor and ceiling for most of these players is phenomenal. With that in mind, I thought it worthwhile to take a look at position groups and the likely roster as it stands today. Offense (25): Quarterbacks (3): Purdy, Jones, Mordecai Outlook: Purdy will get his contract and the franchise will go as he goes for the next 5+ years. Jones is Shanahan's new reclamation project. Mordecai has some interesting traits, but may end up back on the practice squad when Rourke gets healthy. Rourke is an interesting prospect; I think Shanahan thinks he can turn him into Purdy's permanent backup. Running Backs (5): CMC, Guerendo, James, Kiner, Juszczyk Outlook: Success this year is dependent on CMC's health, but the rookies, James and Kiner, bring new energy to the RB room. I believe Kiner will beat Patrick Taylor out for the last spot following a pattern that I see throughout the roster decisions this year: upside over safety. Taylor was serviceable in spot duty last year, but Kiner could be the next Shanahan gem. Tight End (3): Kittle. Farrell, Willis Outlook: I am relieved that the team agreed to terms with Kittle. Dude needs to be a lifelong Niner before he invariably gets inducted into the HOF. As for this year, I think he is set for a big year. The uncertainty at WR should make him a bigger target in the passing game. Farrell comes wit ha reputation for being an excellent blocker, but I admit I was disappointed they didn't bring in a TE with better receiving skills. Willis wins the third spot based on his special teams ability and decent blocking versatility. It would be fun to see Pline put pressure on Willis. His size makes him an ideal redzone target. Wide Receiver (5): Jennings, Pearsall, Robinson, Watkins, Cowing Outlook: Tons of opportunity for younger or unproven guys to make the roster. Jennings and Pearsall are the entrenched starters. Robinson is a solid vet and figures to contribute as the WR3. Watkins is intriguing and will get all the opportunity in the world to prove himself. Cowing was underwhelming last year and will need to take a step forward this year. If Bergen shows his value as a returner he could take Cowing's spot on the roster. Same with fellow UDFA Isaiah Neyor. Neyor is a physical specimen but lacked college production. He'll have his chance to prove his value. Aiyuk will start the season on the IR, so it will be interesting to see what happens when he returns. Offensive Line (9): Williams, Bartch, Brendel, Puni, McKivitz, Humphries, Burford, Zakelj, Pleasants Outlook: The most notable omission is Colby. As much as I want him to beat out Burford or Zakelj for a spot, I think it is more likely that he either spends a year on the Practice Squad or he makes the roster because someone gets injured. Burford has had his well documented lapses, but he is still experienced and versatile. Zakelj has not seen the field much, but I believe he is still the backup center and he did have some quality snaps last season. As for the tackle spots, Trent Williams still has to maintain his health which might have been the impetus for signing Humphries. If Williams is healthy, I think McKivitz will face competition from Humphries and Pleasants. This group figures to be the most fluid as the off season progresses. Defense (25):Defensive Line (9): Bosa, West, Collins, Williams, Givens, Anderson, Davis, Gross-Matos, Okuayinonu Outlook: Normally, I might see the team keeping 8 DLs, but with the infusion of rookies and the need to protect them from over usage means they should probably keep 9. Maybe not right away, but the three rookies (Williams, Collins, and West) figure to start next to Bosa sooner rather than later. Jordan Elliott has been a disappointment so far, so I see Kalia Davis making the roster above him. Davis has been a little disappointing as well, but injuries are more of the reason. He has shown bursts when healthy. Givens will provide gateway depth until they replace him, probably in the 2026 draft. Gross-Matos and Okuayinonu should provide solid edge depth and could even see a boost in their play with Saleh back. Linebackers (6): Warner, Martin, Winters, Bethune, Graham, Robinson Outlook: The question is, who starts next to Warner? Winters will get first crack at it and will have to stay healthy. Bethune is a dark horse candidate for me. He did some really nice things last year before he got hurt. Obviously, everyone wants martin to grab ahold of the job and never let it go. Graham and Robinson provide ST work and possible depth considering Winters, Martin, and Bethune are coming off of injury riddled seasons. If everyone is healthy, one of those two could be left off in favor of another DB. Defensive Backs (10): Lenoir, Green, Stout, T. Brown, Lucas, Sigle, J. Brown, Grant, Odum, Pinnock Outlook: Roles need to be figured out. The coaches hope that Stout comes in and grabs the NB position since his size will make it difficult to play on the boundary. If he doesn't, there is a chance Lenoir slides in to that role while Green and Brown play on the outside. Lucas is a ST ace with a little potential to play some defensive snaps. Siran Neal, Tre Tomlinson, and Luter will compete with him for that role, but I believe Lucas has the most upside. Neal would be the next DB kept while Tomlinson is limited by his size. As for the Safeties, Mustapha's injury puts this position in flux. Brown has started the most games for the team, but I think they really like Pinnock. Odum is the closest thing they have to an in the box safety (which he is not), so this is going to be an issue. We might see the team use an extra LB instead since they have several guys who are undersized but speedy (Bethune, Martin, Winters). Now, of course this is all speculation and the team will probably sign more players and have several injuries to manage, but I really like the 53 man above. I think this roster can compete for at least a Wild Card and if some of these younger players take some steps... who knows? Thoughts?

Aug 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM

#271

Scoots
Veteran
Posts: 2,580

Why are so many people seemingly confused about cutting the punter?

Aug 26, 2025 at 4:42 PM

#272

TD49ers
Veteran
Posts: 3,777

Originally posted by Scoots:

Originally posted by TD49ers:

Originally posted by Scoots:

Originally posted by Kolohe:

Originally posted by CraigHR:
Jerrett Kingston was cut

Would love to see them get him back. But I think they're set with Drew Moss and Conor Colby.

In one pre-season weekend he was the top rated center by PFF.

Um....he couldnt beat out Brendel so.....

Kingston didn't play center with the 49ers and was cut and claimed.

Drafted in 2024 by the 49ers and cut......couldnt beat out Brendel?

Aug 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM

#273

TD49ers
Veteran
Posts: 3,777

Originally posted by Scoots:
Why are so many people seemingly confused about cutting the punter?

Least of the concerns and a formality.

Aug 26, 2025 at 4:47 PM

#274

mitpdub
Veteran
Posts: 14,381

Originally posted by linkboy:

Originally posted by mitpdub:
So who's punting ? We cut ours?

Morstead will still be the punter.

In order to put a player on IR, they first have to be added to the active roster. Since Morestead has been in the league longer then 4 years, he's not subject to waivers and is an unrestricted free agent.

Once they're able to put a player, like Cowing, on IR, that roster spot will free up and then they'll re-sign Morstead.

Solid explanation.

Aug 26, 2025 at 4:49 PM

#275

Scoots
Veteran
Posts: 2,580

Originally posted by TD49ers:

Originally posted by Scoots:

Originally posted by TD49ers:

Originally posted by Scoots:

Originally posted by Kolohe:

Originally posted by CraigHR:
Jerrett Kingston was cut

Would love to see them get him back. But I think they're set with Drew Moss and Conor Colby.

In one pre-season weekend he was the top rated center by PFF.

Um....he couldnt beat out Brendel so.....

Kingston didn't play center with the 49ers and was cut and claimed.

Drafted in 2024 by the 49ers and cut......couldnt beat out Brendel?

I think the confusion is the 49ers didn't use him at center at all, and in this year in the preseason he was playing center and graded out well. He never had a chance to beat out Brendel.

Aug 26, 2025 at 4:52 PM

#276

D_Niner
Veteran
Posts: 8,508

Originally posted by mitpdub:
So who's punting ? We cut ours?

Put me in coach; I'm ready....

Aug 26, 2025 at 5:48 PM

#277

mitpdub
Veteran
Posts: 14,381

Originally posted by D_Niner:

Originally posted by mitpdub:
So who's punting ? We cut ours?

Put me in coach; I'm ready....

Sorry all kicking duties go to Moody. Someone simply doesn't step in and take Jake's job as kicker supreme!

Aug 26, 2025 at 5:54 PM

#278

pillageDatazz
Veteran
Posts: 5,464

Don't see a practice squad thread yet, but I'm guessing Chazz Surratt, Owens and/or Chosen could get called if they don't get picked up. I'd like to see Nick Nash, Gore Jr get picked up. I'm hoping, but it'll be tough to get a solid OT (Esa Pole perhaps) on board... what number are we in order for waivers (like 6th)

Aug 26, 2025 at 5:58 PM

#279

GorefullBore
Veteran
Posts: 4,440

Originally posted by pillageDatazz:
Don't see a practice squad thread yet, but I'm guessing Chazz Surratt, Owens and/or Chosen could get called if they don't get picked up. I'd like to see Nick Nash, Gore Jr get picked up. I'm hoping, but it'll be tough to get a solid OT (Esa Pole perhaps) on board... what number are we in order for waivers (like 6th)

Multiple reporters have said 11th.

Aug 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM

#280

pillageDatazz
Veteran
Posts: 5,464

Originally posted by GorefullBore:
Multiple reporters have said 11th.

Esa not coming to us then for sure

I don't even know who Niners have in mind but we need some new blood and solid PSers

Aug 26, 2025 at 6:06 PM

#281

mitpdub
Veteran
Posts: 14,381

Just read that Clelen Ferrel was just cut by Wash. I thought he was decent when he was with us. I wonder if Shanny/Saleh will make him an offer.

Aug 26, 2025 at 6:14 PM

#282

genus49
Moderator
Posts: 27,822

Originally posted by mitpdub:
Just read that Clelen Ferrel was just cut by Wash. I thought he was decent when he was with us. I wonder if Shanny/Saleh will make him an offer.

There are several vets cut that are very likely going to sign with their original teams. It happens every year. Not much different than us cutting Morestead.

I would be all over Dan Skipper but I'm like 99% sure he's just going to sign back with Detroit. I think Ferrell may be in the same boat.

But honestly I'm also not sure who we'd cut for him. He's a better run edge and we have that with Mykel and YGM.

Aug 26, 2025 at 6:52 PM

#283