The 49ers’ 90-man roster is taking shape and rookie mini-camp is set to open Thursday. 2019 could be a defining year in 49ers franchise history, and how their 53-man roster shakes out will be the pivotal starting point for the campaign.
With training camp fast approaching, we put together our initial 53-man roster projection for the preseason.
Quarterback (2)
Jimmy Garoppolo
Nick Mullens
There’s set to be a pretty strong competition for the backup quarterback spot between Mullen and CJ Beathard. Mullens gets the early nod behind Garoppolo based on his production last season. Keeping all three is also an option.
Notable cuts: CJ Beathard
Running back (4)
Jerick McKinnon
Matt Breida
Tevin Coleman
Raheem Mostert
It looks like San Francisco will keep four running backs just based on the amount of talent in that group. Injuries plagued the position all year, so additional high-quality depth will be beneficial and should keep the backs fresh later into the year.
Notable cuts: Jeff Wilson Jr.
Fullback (1)
Kyle Juszczyk
There’s not a fullback in the universe unseating Juszczyk from his roster spot. He’s been tremendous for Shanahan and the 49ers.
Wide receiver (6)
Dante Pettis
Marquise Goodwin
Trent Taylor
Kendrick Bourne
Deebo Samuel
Jalen Hurd
There’s going to be some very difficult decisions at receiver for the 49ers’ coaching staff. Training camp and preseason battles should be a lot of fun to watch, especially after the additions of Samuel and Hurd in the draft. Pettis, Samuel and Hurd are all locks heading into May.
Notable cuts: Jordan Matthews, Richie James
Tight end (3)
George Kittle
Garrett Celek
Kaden Smith
Shanahan loves his two-tight end sets, so having multiple players at that position who can fill multiple roles is vital. Don’t be surprised if we wind up seeing Hurd quite a bit as a tight end. Smith, a sixth-round pick, will be first in line to eventually replace Celek if he puts together a strong rookie season.
Offensive line (8)
OT Joe Staley
OT Mike McGlinchey
OT Shon Coleman
G Ross Reynolds
G Joshua Garnett
G Laken Tomlinson
G Mike Person
C Weston Richburg
This could be an intriguing group to follow this offseason with the reserve slots open, and some possible movement on the interior. Last year’s starting right guard, Person, is returning, but his starting job isn’t guaranteed. Reynolds, a guard from Iowa, is the first 2019 undrafted rookie to land on our 53-man projection. Sixth-round pick Justin Skule was left off.
Noteable cuts: Justin Skule, Erik Magnuson
Cornerback (7)
Richard Sherman
Ahkello Witherspoon
Jason Verrett
Tarvarius Moore
K’Waun Williams
DJ Reed
Tim Harris
This group could see some significant changes depending on how the preseason goes. Verrett has a sordid injury history and is returning from a torn Achilles. Reed is rehabbing a shoulder injury and Harris had injuries throughout his college career. Finding roster spots at corner might be a war of attrition, but this group is likely the best seven corners on the 49ers’ roster.
Notable cuts: Greg Mabin
Safety (5)
Adrian Colbert
Jaquiski Tartt
Jimmie Ward
Marcell Harris
Antone Exum Jr.
Look familiar? That was by design with the 49ers front office adding no new bodies to the mix at safety. Instead, they re-signed Ward to a one year deal and are hoping for better health at safety this season. The team is also banking on more competition and a better pass rush elevating the play from in the back end of the secondary.
Linebacker (6)
Fred Warner
Kwon Alexander
Elijah Lee
Mark Nzeocha
David Mayo
Dre Greenlaw
This group is far from locked in with several contributors from last year’s club getting left off this initial roster. Alexander isn’t a sure thing to start the year while he rehabs a torn ACL, and Nzeocha will have to be better on the defensive side to secure a SAM linebacker job. Malcolm Smith restructured his deal to make him more affordable, but his inability to contribute on special teams leaves him off for now.
Notable cuts: Pita Taumoepenu, Malcolm Smith
Defensive line (7)
DeForest Buckner
Dee Ford
Arik Armstead
Nick Bosa
Solomon Thomas
Kentavius Street
DJ Jones
It’ll be interesting to see how this group shakes out. The top end is relatively locked in, but after the top four it gets less clear. Training camp will settle the final spots in what will be a fairly deep defensive line rotation for San Francisco.
Notable cuts: Ronald Blair, Sheldon Day
Specialists (3)
K Robbie Gould
P Mitch Wishnowsky
LS Colin Holba
Gould is a name to keep an eye on since he formally requested a trade, but the 49ers don’t sound inclined to oblige. Wishnowsky was a fourth-round pick and a lock to make the squad as the only punter on the 90-man roster. Holba will do the long snapping until Kyle Nelson returns from serving the final six games a 10-game suspension.
