David Lombardi's and Matt Barrow's First 53
Quarterback
QB1: Brock Purdy
QB2: Trey Lance
QB3: Sam Darnold
Others: TBD
Analysis: The stage is set for a fascinating offseason. Purdy won't be part of it as he recovers from elbow surgery, but Lance and Darnold are slated to split reps ahead of the favorite's return. What happens under center in Week 1 is anyone's guess at this point. It's clear that both Lance and Darnold must maximize OTAs.
GO DEEPER
49ers' Trey Lance cleared to return ahead of OTAs
Running back
RB1: Christian McCaffrey
RB2: Elijah Mitchell
RB3: Kyle Juszczyk (FB)
RB4: Jordan Mason
RB5: Tyrion Davis-Price
Others: Ronald Awatt (RB), Jack Colletto (FB/LB), Khalan Laborn
Analysis: The 49ers didn't use a draft pick on their offensive backfield this year, so the frontrunners to make the 53-man roster are all familiar faces at this point. That being said, Awatt — who has 4.45 speed — will have a chance to make a mark as an undrafted free agent. Colletto played multiple positions in college and might be able to carve out a niche as a practice squad fullback.
Receiver
WR1: Deebo Samuel
WR2: Brandon Aiyuk
WR3: Jauan Jennings
WR4: Ray-Ray McCloud III
WR5: Danny Gray
Others: Ronnie Bell, Chris Conley, Tay Martin, Tyron Johnson, Willie Snead IV, Dazz Newsome
Analysis: Barring injuries, the top end of this room seems set, but there's an opening in Gray's spot. He'll need to take a second-year jump because the 49ers like Bell's return capabilities. Those can help earn him a spot on the 53-man roster.
Tight end
TE1: George Kittle
TE2: Cameron Latu
TE3: Charlie Woerner
TE4: Brayden Willis
Others: Ross Dwelley
Analysis: The 49ers double-dipped in the tight end draft market, picking both Latu and Willis. Will they finally improve the spot opposite Kittle? Offseason development will have a big say in that. Team brass believes that both rookie tight ends have a lot of potential to grow.
Can third-round pick Cameron Latu finally give the 49ers a proper backup for George Kittle? (Marvin Gentry / USA Today)
Offensive line
LT: Trent Williams
LG: Aaron Banks
C: Jake Brendel
RG: Spencer Burford
RT: Colton McKivitz
OL6: T Jaylon Moore
OL7: C/G Jon Feliciano
OL8: G Nick Zakelj
OL9: T Matt Pryor
Others: G Joey Fisher, G Jason Poe, T Leroy Watson, C Keith Ismael,
G Ilm Manning, C Corey Luciano, T Alfredo Gutierrez
Analysis: The 49ers obviously are lot more confident in the 49ers' tackle situation than the fans and media. As it stands now, McKivitz is the starter at right tackle with Pryor and Moore competing for the role of swing tackle. The team didn't add O-linemen until Fisher, Manning and Luciano signed after the draft.
Defensive line
DL1: Nick Bosa
DL2: Javon Hargrave
DL3: Arik Armstead
DL4: Drake Jackson
DL5: Clelin Ferrell
DL6: Kevin Givens
DL7: Javon Kinlaw
DL8: Kerry Hyder Jr.
DL9: Austin Bryant
DL10: Kalia Davis
Others: Robert Beal Jr., T.Y. McGill, Alex Barrett
Analysis: Beal gives the defensive line a lighter — he's about 245 pounds — and explosive edge player they were missing heading into the draft. With Ferrell and Bryant on the roster now but not signed for next year, it stands to reason the 49ers are eying Beal for 2024 and beyond.
Linebacker
LB1: Fred Warner
LB2: Dre Greenlaw
LB3: Oren Burks
LB4: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles
LB5: Dee Winters
Others: Marcelino McCrary-Ball,
Jalen Graham, Curtis Robinson,
Mariano Sori-Marin
Analysis: The best competition might be for Azeez Al-Shaair's former strongside linebacker spot. Burks is the frontrunner, but Winters and McCrary-Ball, an undrafted rookie last year, have excellent speed and could challenge for the role. Winters is also very fast.
Dee Winters showed off his speed in college with a pick-six in the Fiesta Bowl against Michigan. (Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
Cornerback
CB1: Charvarius Ward
CB2: Deommodore Lenoir
CB3: Isaiah Oliver
CB4: Samuel Womack III
CB5: Darrell Luter Jr.
Others: Ambry Thomas, A.J. Parker, Tre Swilling,
D'Shawn Jamison
Analysis: The 49ers have taken four cornerbacks — Thomas, Leonoir, Womack and Luter — in the last three drafts, which ought to create a nice competition for the final two spots at the position.
Safety
S1: Talanoa Hufanga
S2: Tashaun Gipson Sr.
S3: Ji'Ayir Brown
S4: George Odum
Others: Myles Hartsfield, Qwuantrezz Knight, Tayler Hawkins
Analysis: The 49ers have a nice collection of hard hitters in Hufanga, Brown and Odum, but they don't have a lot of speed at the position. Hartsfield, who played for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in Carolina, can fill in at several spots, including free safety, nickel cornerback and outside cornerback.
Special teams
K: Jake Moody
P: Mitch Wishnowsky
LS: Taybor Pepper
KR: McCloud
PR: McCloud
Other: Zane Gonzalez (K)
Analysis: Gonzalez might remain on the offseason roster to compete and push Moody, but it'll be a major disappointment if the third-round rookie isn't the team's Week 1 kicker.
[ Edited by 60sFan on May 1, 2023 at 1:17 PM ]
