With the start of the regular season just a week away, the 49ers final 53-man roster is set. There were some surprises and some that didn’t surprise me at all.  Time to break down each position group and see how Coach Shanahan and GM John Lynch did with this roster.

Offense:

Quarterback: Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brock Purdy

The biggest surprise here is Jimmy Garoppolo.  Most people thought there was no way Garoppolo would be on the roster in week 1.  He wasn’t even practicing with the team during training camp.  The biggest question is going to be how Garoppolo still being on the roster affects Trey Lance.  The much less talked about surprise is Brock Purdy beating out Nate Sudfeld for the third-string quarterback spot.  Both Sudfeld and Purdy played well and the competition was close for all of the preseason.  Most people thought that Sudfeld would come out on top due to the 49ers really wanting him to come back.  The 49ers deciding to go with Purdy is an interesting move.  Did they do it because he is the cheaper option and could be just as successful as Sudfeld? Or could this mean Garoppolo will be here the entire season?

Running Back: Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson, Tyrion Davis-Price, Jordan Mason, Kyle Juszczyk (FB)

The 49ers had some very good running backs on the roster and I know this was one of the toughest decisions the 49ers had to make.  The biggest surprise here was the cutting of JaMycal Hasty.  He was a player that I had penciled in as a lock early in the offseason.  Hasty was one of the more consistent runners on the team and could really catch out of the backfield.  Trey Sermon also came as a bit of a surprise only because he initially made the 53-man roster.  That all changed when the 49ers decided to claim an offensive lineman off waivers.  Based on what we have seen in the preseason, this is still a talented group of running backs.  This is a very young group who can get the job done as long as they stay healthy.

Wide Receiver: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Ayiuk, Juan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud, Danny Gray

No real surprises here with the wide receivers.  The only question here was if the 49ers would keep 5 or 6 wideouts.  This group could be really dynamic this year now that the 49ers have a quarterback that can at least threaten to throw the ball downfield.  We have seen the speed of both McCloud and Gray in the preseason, coupled with the YAC ability of Samuel and Aiyuk and we may see this offense really open up.  Jennings will continue to be the go-to guy on 3rd downs and short-yard situations.  The only real thing missing here is a true red zone threat but the 49ers haven’t had that in years.

Tight End: George Kittle, Ross Dwelley, Charlie Worener

Again no surprises here, the 49ers are returning the same tight ends from last season.  They saw good production from everyone and hope to get the same thing this season.  Dwelley is quietly becoming a very dependable receiving threat for the 49ers, which could continue to open things up for this offense and give even more options to Trey Lance.

Offensive Line: Trent Williams, Mike McGlinchey, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz, Jaylon Moore, Nick Zakelj, Daniel Brunskil

Going into the regular season the offensive line is the biggest question mark for the 49ers.  In the preseason the offensive line didn’t look good at all and that’s not something you want with a second year QB taking over.  The only solid point on this line is Trent Williams and even he is questionable for week 1.  The 49ers also don’t know what they are going to get out of Mike McGlinchey who is already dealing with a knee issue.  The 49ers really need second-year players Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore to step up this season.  The fate of the 49ers season could come down to the offensive line.

Defense:

Defensive Line: Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Drake Jackson, Samson Ebukam, Kevin Givens, Kerry Hyder Jr., Charles Omenihu, Hassan Ridgeway

The 49ers have the potential to have the best defensive line in football.  Nick Bosa looks like he is already in mid-season form.  Arik Armstead could have another good season as long as he can stay on the inside.  Javon Kinlaw looks like he is finally ready to make that jump and be a factor on this defense.  Rookie Drake Jackson could very well be the steal of the draft.  The best thing about this defensive line is the depth, from top to bottom they have a good mixture of pass rushers and run stoppers.  This defense is going to be fun to watch.

Linebacker: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Azeez Al-Shaair, Oren Burks, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Curtis Robinson

The 49ers still have one of the best linebackers in the league in Fred Warner.  When Dre Greenlaw is healthy the 49ers might have the best linebacker duo in the league.  Azeez Al-Shaair has made is name known while Greenlaw was injured and has proven to be a major piece on this defense.  Adding a veteran like Oren Burks is always good and the 49ers always seem to get the best out of their defensive players.

Cornerback: Charvarius Ward, Emmanuel Moseley, Deommodore Lenoir, Ambry Thomas, Samuel Womack III

For the beginning of the season the cornerback position could be a cause of concern.  Starting corners Charvarius Ward and Emmanuel Moseley have been dealing with injuries this offseason but should be good to go week 1.  The nickel position had a big question mark coming into the season, but Samuel Womack III seemed to lock that position up pretty quick.  Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir continue to show their growth and have proven they can step in at any time.  The cornerback position shouldn’t be a cause of concern as players get healthy.

Safety: Jimmie Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, George Odum, Travarious Moore

If there was any concern on the defensive side of the ball it would have to be with the safety position.  The 49ers will be missing starting safety Jimmie Ward for the first four games as he is dealing with a serious hamstring injury.  The 49ers will hope to get some production out of Travarious Moore and George Odum.  All they need is for them to be serviceable until Ward makes his return.  Talanoa Hufanga is another second year player that has looked like he is ready to take that next step and be a difference maker for this defense.

Specialist: Robbie Gould (K), Mitch Wishnowsky (P), Tabor Pepper (LS)

No changes here, should expect more of the same from both Robbie Gould and Mitch Wishnowsky.

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