The San Francisco 49ers are going to cut their roster down to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. Originally back in April, I took a way too early look at what the roster could look like. Now less than 48 hours away from the deadline, I reexamine my picks and predictions.

Quarterbacks (3): Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard

In: C.J. Beathard

Out: N/A


COVID-19 made keeping a third QB absolutely necessary this season. Much to the chagrin of 49ers fans, Beathard survives another year on the roster and could possibly steal an important spot on an exceptionally talented team.

Running backs (5): Raheem Mostert, Jerick McKinnon, Tevin Coleman, Jeff Wilson Jr., Kyle Juszczyk

In: Jeff Wilson Jr.

Out: JaMycal Hasty

The only reason I have Hasty not making the team at this point is because I firmly believe that he will be easier to stash on the practice squad. Wilson made too many plays last year to clear through waivers and if Kyle Shanahan wants to keep him around, he'll have to be on the roster.


Wide receivers (6): Deebo Samuel, Kendrick Bourne, Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis, Richie James Jr.

In: Dante Pettis

Out: Jalen Hurd, Jauan Jennings

Jalen Hurd could end up being one of the greatest what-ifs for the 49ers as he landed on the injured reserve for the second straight year. Jennings has shown promise but the lack of rookie minicamps and OTAs have put him behind veterans. Dante Pettis comes back onto my final prediction with a decent showing in camp that had more ups than downs.

Tight ends (4): George Kittle, Jordan Reed, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Woerner


In: Jordan Reed

Out: N/A

The biggest question mark for Jordan Reed will always be health but with the wide receivers dealing with a plethora of injuries, he could provide an incredible complement to Kittle in two tight end sets. Shanahan loves to play with formations and his eligibles so keeping four tight ends offsets only keeping six WRs.

Offensive line (8): Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, Daniel Brunskill, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Garland, Justin Skule, Tom Compton, Colton McKivitz

In: Tom Compton


Out: Weston Richburg (PUP)

If Richburg were able to start the year healthy, my initial prediction would not have changed in the least. This group will face the most scrutiny early on during the season as it tries to navigate the issues on the interior.

Defensive line (9): Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Dee Ford, D.J. Jones, Ronald Blair, Kerry Hyder, Solomon Thomas, Kentavius Street

In: Kerry Hyder

Out: Jullian Taylor (PUP)


Easily the deepest position group on the whole team, Kerry Hyder slides into the space vacated by Jullian Taylor's PUP assignment. Replacing DeForest Buckner will most likely come from a "Moneyball" approach as Robert Saleh looks to use a heavy rotation to keep fresh legs on the field.

Linebackers (5): Fred Warner, Kwon Alexander, Dre Greenlaw, Mark Nzeocha, Joe Walker

In: Mark Nzeocha

Out: Azeez Al-Shaair

I gave Mark Nzeocha the slight edge over Azeez Al-Shaair because of Nzeocha's prowess in the special teams. This year's wide receiver group does not offer much in the way of kick coverage players and that is where he will make his money.


Cornerbacks (5): Richard Sherman, Emmanuel Moseley, K'Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Jason Verrett

In: Jason Verrett

Out: DeMarkus Acy, Tim Harris

Jason Verrett, despite the recent injury, has done plenty enough to make this team. He has talent oozing out of his ears but his body has consistently failed him. If healthy, he can make an impact in Saleh's defense. DeMarkus Acy was cut early on in camp and Tim Harris has not done enough to stand out to warrant more than a spot on the practice squad.

Safety (5): Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt, Tarvarius Moore, Johnathan Cyprien, Jared Mayden


In: Johnathan Cyprien

Out: Marcell Harris

Johnathan Cyprien edges out Marcell Harris on the final cuts as the steady veteran presence on the back end of the defense. I'm sticking with Jared Mayden as my under-the-radar undrafted free agent who makes the team and a player who could see some time in the backup slot corner role.

Special teams (3): Robbie Gould, Mitch Wishnowsky, Kyle Nelson

No injuries here. These three remain the same.

Written By:

Matthew Barr


Matthew Barr has been writing for 49ers Webzone and 49ers Hub since 2018 and co-hosts the 4th and Gold podcast which can be found on all podcast platforms. He can be found on Twitter fighting an endless battle to get the underscore removed from his handle, @MattBarr_.
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@MattBarr_
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