The 49ers find themselves in a new position heading into 2019 training camp. For the first time in the John Lynch-Kyle Shanahan era, San Francisco has legitimate roster battles at several positions. The result means some good players are going to wind up on the wrong side of the final roster cuts.
With an entire training camp ahead of them, it’s impossible to predict exactly what the 49ers’ final 53-man roster will look like. Going into camp, however, there are several players who appear to be on the roster bubble and in need of strong camps to land on the team. Here are seven of those players who stand out:
QB Nick Mullens
It felt like a roster spot was all but guaranteed for Mullens after his strong production in eight games to close last season. Despite operating Kyle Shanahan’s offense with relative success, Mullens still finds himself on the roster bubble going into camp. He proved to be a capable NFL backup, but there are distinct limitations to his game that may keep him from securing a backup job. Numbers may push him off the final roster if he finishes camp as the No. 3 quarterback.
QB C.J. Beathard
Beathard is in a similar position to Mullens, he just doesn’t have the statistical output. He is the more physically gifted quarterback though, and a former third-round pick. There’s a battle at the backup quarterback spot and better physical tools aren’t necessarily going to win Beathard the job. If he can’t improve under pressure or if he struggles in camp with Mullens playing well, there’s a real possibility he winds up being the odd man out at quarterback.
LB Malcolm Smith
A contract restructure this offseason seemed to secure Smith’s spot on a roster that didn’t have much depth at linebacker. The additions of Kwon Alexander and Dre Greenlaw brought in an influx of youth and athleticism that may be too much for Smith to overcome. The 29-year-old has just five starts in 12 games across two seasons with San Francisco, and his performance last season lacked while he dealt with a lower leg injury. It’s easy to see the 49ers parting ways with Smith unless he undergoes a massive turnaround in camp and finds his prime form again.
WR Richie James
His ability to return kickoffs may be James’ saving grace when it comes to carving out a place on the 49ers’ 53-man roster. However, the fact he couldn’t emerge last year in a receiving corps that desperately lacked playmakers isn’t a great sign for his future with the club. There’ll be real battles for receiving jobs, and if James can contribute at a couple different places on top of being the primary kick returner, it bodes well for his chances to land on the roster. If all he can do is return kicks and work in as a reserve slot receiver, his time in San Francisco could come to an end.
TE Garrett Celek
It’s been a rough offseason for Celek. He had back surgery that could force him out for the first portion of training camp, and he’s yet to be cleared from a concussion he suffered in Week 16 last season. San Francisco added tight end Kaden Smith in the sixth round of this year’s draft and also signed Levine Toilolo, who has experience in Shanahan’s offense from their time together in Atlanta. Second-year tight end Ross Dwelley also had a good showing in offseason workouts. Celek will grab a roster spot if he’s healthy and participating in camp. On the other hand, he’s 31-years old with one year left on his contract. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Celek pushed down the depth chart with players like Smith, Toilolo and Dwelley getting time while he’s out.
WR Kendrick Bourne
The 49ers are in a position with their receiving corps where they may be forced to cut a couple good players. That’s the case with Richie James, and it could wind up being the case with Bourne as well. He’s been a fine receiver for the 49ers in his first two years. There are more capable, versatile players competing for jobs now though and that might push Bourne outside the final roster. He’ll have to be good at multiple positions and be effective in the red zone if he’s going to make the team this year. It’s not something he’s incapable of, but it’ll take a significant leap from where he’s been the last couple seasons.
DB Antone Exum
There’s a not-so-distant timeline where Exum winds up starting games for the 49ers this year. He proved a capable depth piece at both safety spots last season, and that’s invaluable for a club that saw so many injuries in the secondary a season ago. Tarvarius Moore’s move to safety throws a wrench in Exum’s roster security though. If Moore secures a starting safety spot, Jaquiski Tartt, Adrian Colbert, Jimmie Ward and Marcell Harris will all be vying for time alongside him. That may leave the 28-year-old Exum on the outside looking in after re-signing with the 49ers on a one-year deal this offseason.
