The NFL draft has wrapped up, and the biggest waves of free agency have settled. That means it's time for our first look at what the San Francisco 49ers' final 53-man roster could shape up to be after training camp.
Now, we're still in the early stages of the offseason program. None of the draft picks have signed yet, and we haven't seen a single snap from the rookies. But that won't stop us from diving into the predictions. Here's our initial take on the 49ers' roster after cuts.
Quarterback – The starting duo looks set, but keep an eye on Kurtis Rourke. He could sneak in as a third QB on the active roster, but for now, we're projecting just two quarterbacks with Rourke heading to the practice squad as the emergency option.
Running Back – This position group is shaping up to be a battleground. If either James or Black can't contribute on special teams, Patrick Taylor could earn a roster spot. Expect James and Black to compete for RB2 duties, with the loser likely being a healthy scratch on game days. Isaac Guerendo appears to be the odd man out for now.
Wide Receiver – The receiver room is crowded, and roster spots at the back end will be at a premium. Jacob Cowing is the odd man out in this projection. He'll need to stay healthy and impress during training camp to have a real chance.
Tight End – We're assuming George Kittle will be healthy enough to avoid starting the season on injured reserve, especially since there's optimism he'll be ready for the opener. Cameron Dinkins is our first undrafted rookie to make the cut. His blend of size and athleticism is intriguing, and we want to keep him around until it's clear he's not ready.
Offensive Line – We're going with 10 offensive linemen because, well, you never know. Players like Jones, Toth, and Colby may all be battling for just two roster spots. And while both draft picks are currently projected to make the team, it's not a guarantee.
Defensive Line – A notable absence here is Sam Okuayinonu, who has been a solid project for the 49ers over the last couple of seasons. He and Sample are likely competing for the same role. Kamara, our second undrafted free agent to land a spot, could be a fun player to watch in camp.
Linebacker – This group feels solid. Gifford's spot may be up for debate, but the core looks strong heading into training camp.
As always, these projections will shift as camp battles unfold and injuries occur. But for now, this is our best guess at the 53-man roster that will take the field after final cuts.