Image Credit: Andrew Giesemann
The 2020 season promises to be unique. The new rules governing rosters and the lack of preseason games are going to change the calculus of roster construction and make for some interesting decisions.
Quarterbacks: 3
Jimmy Garoppolo
Nick Mullens
C.J. Beathard
With the expanded practice squad and the ability to keep up to six veterans, this year would be the perfect time to free up a roster spot by adding Beathard to the practice squad, but the 49ers likely won’t risk losing him to a waiver claim.
Running Backs: 4
Raheem Mostert
Tevin Coleman
Jerick McKinnon
Kyle Juszczyk
The running-back room is one of the bigger flex points on the roster because there are going to be some tough cuts among this group and the decisions made here will affect the roster elsewhere.
Tight Ends: 4
George Kittle
Jordan Reed
Charlie Woerner
Ross Dwelley
There is a lot of versatility in this group and multiple tight end formations could be the dominant personnel group this season.
Wide Receivers: 6
Brandon Aiyuk
Deebo Samuel
Kendrick Bourne
Trent Taylor
Dante Pettis
Richie James Jr.
The wide receiver room will also see some tough cuts although the job got a little easier when Tavon Austin was placed on injured reserve. A tight battle for the final spot will likely come down to Richie James Jr. and seventh-round draft choice Jauan Jennings, and the 49ers may have tipped their hand by activating James off the non-football injury list on September 3. James served as the team’s primary return man last season and his ability fill that role will likely be the deciding factor.
Offensive Line: 8
Trent Williams
Laken Tomlinson
Ben Garland
Daniel Brunskill
Mike McGlinchey
Justin Skule
Colton McKivitz
Tom Compton
The interior of the offensive line is perhaps the biggest question mark on the team, especially with center Weston Richburg on the physically unable to perform list, which would keep him out a minimum of the first six weeks. Richburg’s backup at center, Ben Garland, has been battling an ankle injury in camp, which has had a ripple effect on the line. Would-be starting right guard Daniel Brunskill has been working at center, which means he has not gotten the regular reps at right guard and has had a destabilizing affect on the line going into the season.
Defensive Line: 10
Nick Bosa
Javon Kinlaw
D.J. Jones
Arik Armstead
Dee Ford
Ronald Blair
Kerry Hyder
Solomon Thomas
Kentavius Street
Kevin Givens
The defensive line might be the deepest unit on the team and there will be some quality players that will be cut, but in this atypical season perhaps some of that talent can sneak through to the practice squad.
Linebackers: 5
Kwon Alexander
Fred Warner
Dre Greenlaw
Azeez Al-Shaair
Joe Walker
The only real decision among this group comes down to Joe Walker versus Mark Nzeocha. Nzeocha was a key contributor on special teams last year, but Walker should be able to fill that role in addition to providing more versatility on defense. Walker started eleven games for Arizona last season and is a superior athlete.
Cornerback: 5
Richard Sherman
Emmanuel Moseley
K’Waun Williams
Jason Verrett
Ahkello Witherspoon
This group is talented and has a high variance of outcomes. Richard Sherman remains among the best in the league and Moseley proved to be a solid starter in replacing Witherspoon last season. Williams is perhaps the most underrated cornerback in the NFL. In Jason Verrett and Ahkello Witherspoon the 49ers have two players who are extremely talented but have not been able to fully utilize their abilities.
Safety: 5
Jimmie Ward
Jaquiski Tartt
Tarvarius Moore
Marcell Harris
(No changes to this group from last season.)
Specialists: 3
Mitch Wishnowsky
Robbie Gould
Kyle Nelson
(No changes to this group from last season.)
Practice Squad: 16
Dion Jordan
Jamar Taylor
Cameron Malveaux
Darrion Daniels
Jauan Jennings
Kevin White
JaMycal Hasty
Tim Harris
Josh Hokit
Dakoda Shepley
Hroniss Grasu
Chase Harrell
William Sweet
Jared Mayden
River Cracraft
Jeff Wilson
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