Post Draft 53 Man Roster | Page 5

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 13, 2025 at 12:36 AM

#61

English
Moderator
Posts: 41,320

Only 2 QB's on the 53? Right now I think I would make it 3, hoping that the injury tsunami will die down in due course.

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Aug 13, 2025 at 6:14 AM

#62

genus49
Moderator
Posts: 27,757

Originally posted by English:
Only 2 QB's on the 53? Right now I think I would make it 3, hoping that the injury tsunami will die down in due course.

Have you seen our QB3 option right now lol? If they used a roster spot on one of them it would be a crime against humanity.

I think this year we're definitely keeping just 2 on the roster and bringing in one onto the PS. Unfortunately we don't have the roster in place where a QB3 can save our season.

Aug 13, 2025 at 1:44 PM

#63

60sFan
Veteran
Posts: 1,872

Change of Heart 53

QB (2)
Brock Purdy
Mac Jones

RB/FB (6)
Christian McCaffrey
Issac Guerendo
Jordan James
Jeff Wilson Jr.
Kyle Juszczyk
Corey Kiner

WR (5)
Jauan Jennings
Ricky Pearsall
Jacob Cowing
Jordan Watkins (Starts season on IR DR and Malik Turner will be cut and signed the next day to be used primarily as a Gunner)
Junior Bergen (Gage will be a wink wink cut and brought back)

TE (4)
George Kittle
Luke Farrell
Brayden Willis
Jake Tonges

OL (8)
Trent Williams
Ben Bartch (probably starts on IR DR then Dillard or some other OT brought back)
Jake Brendel
Dominick Puni
Colton McKivitz
Drew Moss (Foerster loves him and will be future C)
Spencer Burford
Connor Colby (Zakelj will be cut and Colby will start in place of Bartch)

DL (10)
Nick Bosa
Yetur Gross-Matos
Mykel Williams
Sam Okuayinonu
Kalia Davis
Alfred Collins
CJ West
Trevis Gipson
Jordan Elliott
Bryce Huff

LB (5)
Fred Warner
Nick Martin
Dee Winters
Tatum Bethune
Luke Gifford

CB (6)
Deommodore Lenoir
Renardo Green
Tre Brown
Siran Neal
Darrell Luter Jr.
Upton Stout

Safety (4)
Jason Pinnock
Marques Sigle
Ji'Ayir Brown
Richie Grant

ST (3)
Jon Weeks
Thomas Morstead
Jake Moody

PUP
Brandon Aiyuk
Malik Mustapha

IR
Kurtis Rourke

Suspended
Demarcus Robinson

[ Edited by 60sFan on Aug 13, 2025 at 2:50 PM ]

Aug 13, 2025 at 2:33 PM

#64

Scoots
Veteran
Posts: 2,580

Originally posted by 60sFan:
Change of Heart 53

QB (2)
Brock Purdy
Mac Jones

RB/FB (6)
Christian McCaffrey
Issac Guerendo
Jordan James
Patrick Taylor
Kyle Juszczyk
Corey Kiner

WR (5)
Jauan Jennings
Ricky Pearsall
Jacob Cowing
Jordan Watkins (Starts season on IR DR and Malik Turner will be cut and signed the next day)
Junior Bergen (Gage will be a wink wink cut and brought back)

TE (4)
George Kittle
Luke Farrell
Brayden Willis
Jake Tonges

OL (8)
Trent Williams
Ben Bartch (probably starts on IR DR then Dillard or some other OT brought back)
Jake Brendel
Dominick Puni
Colton McKivitz
Drew Moss
Spencer Burford
Connor Colby (Zakelj will be cut and Colby will start in place of Bartch)

DL (10)
Nick Bosa
Yetur Gross-Matos
Mykel Williams
Sam Okuayinonu
Kalia Davis
Alfred Collins
CJ West
Trevis Gipson
Jordan Elliott
Bryce Huff

LB (5)
Fred Warner
Nick Martin
Dee Winters
Tatum Bethune
Luke Gifford

CB (6)
Deommodore Lenoir
Renardo Green
Tre Brown
Siran Neal
Darrell Luter Jr.
Upton Stout

Safety (4)
Jason Pinnock
Marques Sigle
Ji'Ayir Brown
Richie Grant

ST (3)
Jon Weeks
Thomas Morstead
Jake Moody

PUP
Brandon Aiyuk
Malik Mustapha

IR
Kurtis Rourke

Suspended
Demarcus Robinson

To your list:
RB:
I hope Taylor doesn't make it and they just carry 5
WR:
I don't think Watkins goes on IR as that will force him out until week 5 and they will need him.
I think they carry 6 and the last is Gage.
TE:
I think they carry 3 out of camp with all the injuries elsewhere.
I think Dwelley beats Tonges and Willis because Shanahan can trust him.
OL:
Again, unless we hear his injury is more severe than I've heard I doubt Bartch goes on IR.
I wonder if they can sneak Moss on to the PS? Tough to have 2 rookies on the OL.
DL:
I think Anderson and Valdez make the team and Elliot and Gipson don't.
LB:
Add Surratt ... he's Boyer's pick
CB:
The top 3 have been set for a while now, but below that things look a lot better.
I think Brown doesn't beat out Flowers
Neal is another Boyer pick so he's untouchable
I really like what we've seen from Lucas and Robinson and chances are we lose one or both trying to get them to PS.

Still really early to tell how things go. It's entirely possible someone not on there takes off before the final cut downs. Also possible someone comes free they really like.

Aug 13, 2025 at 2:48 PM

#65

Scoots
Veteran
Posts: 2,580

There are some former starting OL around the league who might get cut for being too expensive and not good enough for the money. The question is will the 49ers take a swing or not.

Aug 13, 2025 at 2:51 PM

#66

60sFan
Veteran
Posts: 1,872

Originally posted by Scoots:
There are some former starting OL around the league who might get cut for being too expensive and not good enough for the money. The question is will the 49ers take a swing or not.

If they know the offense, then yes.

Aug 13, 2025 at 2:53 PM

#67

Scoots
Veteran
Posts: 2,580

Originally posted by 60sFan:

Originally posted by Scoots:
There are some former starting OL around the league who might get cut for being too expensive and not good enough for the money. The question is will the 49ers take a swing or not.

If they know the offense, then yes.

They won't ... but maybe they can learn?

Aug 13, 2025 at 3:22 PM

#68

60sFan
Veteran
Posts: 1,872

Originally posted by Scoots:
To your list:
RB:
I hope Taylor doesn't make it and they just carry 5 (I am inclined to think Jeff Wilson Jr will take his place, now)
WR:
I don't think Watkins goes on IR as that will force him out until week 5 and they will need him.
I think they carry 6 and the last is Gage. (Could be right)
TE:
I think they carry 3 out of camp with all the injuries elsewhere.
I think Dwelley beats Tonges and Willis because Shanahan can trust him. (If they keep 3, I think Dwelley is out. Not a good enough blocker and slower than our OTs)
OL:
Again, unless we hear his injury is more severe than I've heard I doubt Bartch goes on IR. (Bartch is always hurt and always will be)
I wonder if they can sneak Moss on to the PS? Tough to have 2 rookies on the OL. (No. Moss already has good film on him even if it's against 3rd stringers. Foerster will not want to take a chance)
DL:
I think Anderson and Valdez make the team and Elliot and Gipson don't. (I would like to keep Valdez if possible but another Edge Rusher to cycle in is more imminent. Anderson will make it through waivers)
LB:
Add Surratt ... he's Boyer's pick (Maybe, but numbers are making it more difficult)
CB:
The top 3 have been set for a while now, but below that things look a lot better.
I think Brown doesn't beat out Flowers
Neal is another Boyer pick so he's untouchable
I really like what we've seen from Lucas and Robinson and chances are we lose one or both trying to get them to PS.

Still really early to tell how things go. It's entirely possible someone not on there takes off before the final cut downs. Also possible someone comes free they really like.

Good thoughts. See responses above.

Aug 13, 2025 at 6:47 PM

#69

bud49
Veteran
Posts: 3,733

Heck the way things are going now with all the injuries this team will be made up of mostly off the street players. I would not even start to put out a projected 53 until the preseason is mercifully over.

Aug 13, 2025 at 6:49 PM

#70

Scoots
Veteran
Posts: 2,580

Originally posted by 60sFan:

Originally posted by Scoots:
To your list:
RB:
I hope Taylor doesn't make it and they just carry 5 (I am inclined to think Jeff Wilson Jr will take his place, now)
WR:
I don't think Watkins goes on IR as that will force him out until week 5 and they will need him.
I think they carry 6 and the last is Gage. (Could be right)
TE:
I think they carry 3 out of camp with all the injuries elsewhere.
I think Dwelley beats Tonges and Willis because Shanahan can trust him. (If they keep 3, I think Dwelley is out. Not a good enough blocker and slower than our OTs)
OL:
Again, unless we hear his injury is more severe than I've heard I doubt Bartch goes on IR. (Bartch is always hurt and always will be)
I wonder if they can sneak Moss on to the PS? Tough to have 2 rookies on the OL. (No. Moss already has good film on him even if it's against 3rd stringers. Foerster will not want to take a chance)
DL:
I think Anderson and Valdez make the team and Elliot and Gipson don't. (I would like to keep Valdez if possible but another Edge Rusher to cycle in is more imminent. Anderson will make it through waivers)
LB:
Add Surratt ... he's Boyer's pick (Maybe, but numbers are making it more difficult)
CB:
The top 3 have been set for a while now, but below that things look a lot better.
I think Brown doesn't beat out Flowers
Neal is another Boyer pick so he's untouchable
I really like what we've seen from Lucas and Robinson and chances are we lose one or both trying to get them to PS.

Still really early to tell how things go. It's entirely possible someone not on there takes off before the final cut downs. Also possible someone comes free they really like.

Good thoughts. See responses above.

I'd like Willis to make the team over Dwelley, but who knows what Shanny prioritizes.

Bartch is still the leader for LG until he's not. Moss is still a UDFA, and you can't keep everybody. Dillard is back and that could change a lot of things. Add to that that Zakelj is now getting more practice at center and RG, and that kind of flexibility could be enough to get him on the 53.

Anderson is a problem because he doesn't bring enough different than some of the other guys at his position. If you think Moss is going to make it Valdez is going to be even more difficult to sneak on to the PS, and he's a 3 tech and that's a rare skill on this roster right now. Elliot has a back issue. YGM has been injured. Davis has a lot of injuries in his past. It's almost like the team needed 6 picks just on the DL this past draft.

Aug 14, 2025 at 7:49 PM

#71

pillageDatazz
Veteran
Posts: 5,459

Originally posted by Scoots:
There are some former starting OL around the league who might get cut for being too expensive and not good enough for the money. The question is will the 49ers take a swing or not.

Why would they, they think the oline is elite... they must hate BP's guts or something. Otherwise, they better sign somebody

Aug 14, 2025 at 8:24 PM

#72

Since07
Veteran
Posts: 4,940

Originally posted by pillageDatazz:

Originally posted by Scoots:
There are some former starting OL around the league who might get cut for being too expensive and not good enough for the money. The question is will the 49ers take a swing or not.

Why would they, they think the oline is elite... they must hate BP's guts or something. Otherwise, they better sign somebody

You guys are over reacting, we signed one of the best blocking TEs in the league. If TW or Mckivitz go down we'll just run 12 personnel and have him help the back up duh

Aug 15, 2025 at 10:10 AM

#73

60sFan
Veteran
Posts: 1,872

As It Stands: 08/15/25

QB (2)
Brock Purdy
Mac Jones

RB/FB (6)
Christian McCaffrey
Issac Guerendo
Jordan James
Jeff Wilson Jr.
Kyle Juszczyk
Corey Kiner

WR (5)
Jauan Jennings
Ricky Pearsall
Jacob Cowing
Jordan Watkins (Malik Turner will be cut and signed the next day to be used primarily as a Gunner)
Junior Bergen (Gage will be a wink wink cut and brought back)

TE (4)
George Kittle
Luke Farrell
Brayden Willis
Jake Tonges

OL (8)
Trent Williams
Ben Bartch
Jake Brendel
Dominick Puni
Colton McKivitz
Drew Moss
Spencer Burford
Connor Colb

DL (10)
Nick Bosa
Yetur Gross-Matos
Mykel Williams
Sam Okuayinonu
Kalia Davis
Alfred Collins
CJ West
Kevin Givens (has to be on the initial 53, then placed on IR)
Evan Anderson (Jordan Elliott traded)
Bryce Huff

LB (5)
Fred Warner
Nick Martin
Dee Winters
Tatum Bethune
Luke Gifford

CB (6)
Deommodore Lenoir
Renardo Green
Dallis Flowers
Siran Neal
Darrell Luter Jr.
Upton Stout

Safety (4)
Jason Pinnock
Marques Sigle
Ji'Ayir Brown
Richie Grant

ST (3)
Jon Weeks
Thomas Morstead
Jake Moody

PUP
Brandon Aiyuk
Malik Mustapha

IR
Kurtis Rourke

Suspended
Demarcus Robinson

[ Edited by 60sFan on Aug 15, 2025 at 10:13 AM ]

Aug 15, 2025 at 6:54 PM

#74

the_dynasty
Veteran
Posts: 4,326

Originally posted by genus49:
Have you seen our QB3 option right now lol? If they used a roster spot on one of them it would be a crime against humanity.

I think this year we're definitely keeping just 2 on the roster and bringing in one onto the PS. Unfortunately we don't have the roster in place where a QB3 can save our season.

Rourke is the QB3 they want to keep anyway and he will be stashed on the IR for most if not the entire season.

Aug 15, 2025 at 7:37 PM

#75

Howlett49
Veteran
Posts: 2,554

Originally posted by 60sFan:
As It Stands: 08/15/25

QB (2)
Brock Purdy
Mac Jones

RB/FB (6)
Christian McCaffrey
Issac Guerendo
Jordan James
Jeff Wilson Jr.
Kyle Juszczyk
Corey Kiner

WR (5)
Jauan Jennings
Ricky Pearsall
Jacob Cowing
Jordan Watkins (Malik Turner will be cut and signed the next day to be used primarily as a Gunner)
Junior Bergen (Gage will be a wink wink cut and brought back)

TE (4)
George Kittle
Luke Farrell
Brayden Willis
Jake Tonges

OL (8)
Trent Williams
Ben Bartch
Jake Brendel
Dominick Puni
Colton McKivitz
Drew Moss
Spencer Burford
Connor Colb

DL (10)
Nick Bosa
Yetur Gross-Matos
Mykel Williams
Sam Okuayinonu
Kalia Davis
Alfred Collins
CJ West
Kevin Givens (has to be on the initial 53, then placed on IR)
Evan Anderson (Jordan Elliott traded)
Bryce Huff

LB (5)
Fred Warner
Nick Martin
Dee Winters
Tatum Bethune
Luke Gifford

CB (6)
Deommodore Lenoir
Renardo Green
Dallis Flowers
Siran Neal
Darrell Luter Jr.
Upton Stout

Safety (4)
Jason Pinnock
Marques Sigle
Ji'Ayir Brown
Richie Grant

ST (3)
Jon Weeks
Thomas Morstead
Jake Moody

PUP
Brandon Aiyuk
Malik Mustapha

IR
Kurtis Rourke

Suspended
Demarcus Robinson

Hate to burst your bubble but when's the last time you saw a trade at this point of the season?