Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Early odds to make 49ers 53-man roster
Share This Post
Comments
Thursday, July 9, 2015 - 10:15am
Follow @maioccocsn

When the 49ers report to training camp later this month, the organization will begin the process of transforming their 90-man roster to the 53 players who will open the regular season.

As we look ahead and attempt to project the players who will suit up for the 49ers this season, we placed each of the players into one of four status categories:

Locks: Each of the 33 players listed should be destined for the 53-man roster.
Looking good: It might not be 100 percent, due mostly to competition and outside forces, but we project 12 of the 15 players listed will be with the 49ers when the season begins.
50-50: It can go either way, but expect seven or eight of the 17 players in this category will secure spots on the roster.
Must impress: It’s an uphill battle, and in most cases the practice squad is a viable option. But we’re leaving room on the roster for one or two of these players to emerge and win a spot on the 53-man roster.

Here’s a position-by-position rundown of the 49ers’ early roster odds:

QUARTERBACK (3; keep 2-3)
Locks: Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert
Must impress: Dylan Thompson
The 49ers carried two quarterbacks a year ago, and that’s the most-likely scenario for this season, too. The only difference would be if Thompson impresses so much during the exhibition season that the 49ers believe there’s a good chance he would be claimed if placed on waivers.

RUNNING BACK (8; keep 5-6)
Locks: Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush, Mike Davis
Looking good: Bruce Miller, Kendall Hunter
Must impress: Trey Millard, Kendall Gaskins, Jarryd Hayne
If you believe Miller and Hunter should be placed into the “locks” category, you’re probably right. But if Millard and Hayne perform so well on special teams and show enough on offense, it might force the 49ers to make a difficult decision.

WIDE RECEIVER (12; keep 6-7)
Locks: Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin, DeAndre Smelter
Looking good: Bruce Ellington, Quinton Patton
50-50: Jerome Simpson, Dres Anderson, DeAndrew White
Must impress: Chuck Jacobs, Issac Blakeney, DiAndre Campbell, Mario Hull
Although we expect Smelter to begin the season on the non-football injury list, we’re including him in the “locks” category because the 49ers will certainly retain him under all circumstances. There should be very strong competition for the final two receiver spots on the 53-man roster.

[MAIOCCO: Can Tomsula bring breath of fresh air to 49ers?]

TIGHT END (8; keep 3-4)
Locks: Vernon Davis
Looking good: Derek Carrier, Blake Bell
50-50: Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Asante Cleveland, Busta Anderson
Must impress: Xavier Grimble
This is the position where a lot of things can happen. The 49ers will look to deal a player or two from this position group, and who might have the most trade value? That’s why there’s some uncertainty whether McDonald will be on the roster to open the season. Bell has the least experience of anyone on the roster, but the 49ers appear committed due to their investment of a fourth-round draft pick.

OFFENSIVE LINE (15; keep 8-9)
Locks: Joe Staley, Alex Boone, Daniel Kilgore, Marcus Martin, Erik Pears, Brandon Thomas
Looking good: Trent Brown
50-50: Joe Looney, Dillon Farrell, Ian Silberman, Andrew Tiller
Must impress: Justin Renfrow, Ben Gottschalk, Sean Hooey, Patrick Miller
It appears as if seven players are battling for the five starting jobs. But the 49ers have to figure out what positions to place Boone and Pears. After that, the rest of the pieces should fall into place.

DEFENSIVE LINE (11; keep 6-7)
Locks: Arik Armstead, Darnell Dockett, Glenn Dorsey
Looking good: Tank Carradine, Quinton Dial, Ian Williams
50-50: Tony Jerod-Eddie
Must impress: Mike Purcell, Kaleb Ramsey, Garrison Smith, Lawrence Okoye
This is another spot where there should be good competition. Carradine, Dial and Williams are probably locks, but there’s just enough competition behind them to bump them from the “lock” category.

LINEBACKER (13; keep 8-9)
Locks: Aldon Smith, NaVorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold
Looking good: Ahmad Brooks, Nick Moody, Nick Bellore
50-50: Philip Wheeler, Corey Lemonier
Must impress: Desmond Bishop, Shayne Skov, Marcus Rush
After a strong offseason, Brooks looks like a “lock.” But there remains a lingering question off the field that must be cleared up before he rises to that category. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office has to yet to determine if any charges against him are warranted stemming from an incident in December at Ray McDonald’s house. Brooks was named in a civil lawsuit, accusing him of sexual assault.

[RELATED: 49ers full squad reports to camp July 31]

CORNERBACK (9; keep 5-6)
Locks: Tramaine Brock, Shareece Wright, Dontae Johnson
Looking good: Keith Reaser, Chris Cook
50-50: Kenneth Acker
Must impress: Marcus Cromartie, Leon McFadden, Mylan Hicks
Brock and Wright enter camp as the favorites to win starting jobs, but there’s a solid group of young players who might emerge as factors before the season begins.

SAFETY (7; keep 5)
Locks: Antoine Bethea, Eric Reid, Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt
50-50: L.J. McCray, Craig Dahl
Must impress: Jermaine Whitehead
The 49ers have chosen a safety high in the draft in each of the past three years. Dahl has been the No. 3 safety for two years in a row. He’ll definitely be back if he proves he’s the best option as a backup.

SPECIALISTS (4; keep 3)
Locks: K Phil Dawson, P Bradley Pinion, LS Kyle Nelson
Must impress: K Corey Acosta
All the drama ended when the 49ers traded away the best punter in franchise history, Andy Lee, to the Cleveland Brown last month. Pinion takes over, and he’ll compete with Dawson for the kickoff chores, too.

 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Morning Minute: Giants sweep, A's take rubber match from Twins
Toe the Rubber: Tim Hudson vs. Ian Kennedy
Phegley details message to Chavez during outing vs. Twins
Pavlovic: Bochy trying to give Bumgarner extra breathers this year

Giants

Instant Replay: Hudson, Giants fall short as winning streak ends
Giants notes: Aoki could return Friday; Machi DFA'd
Bochy gives explanation on Lincecum's absence from Giants
Giants designate Jean Machi for assignment
Read More

Athletics

Women’s baseball makes debut at Pan Am Games
MLB notes: Return of Zito? Will Cain regain form?
Examining A's potential trade partners
Rewind: Butler's revival proves reason for optimism
Read More

Sharks

Tarasov leaves Sharks for KHL
Sharks notes: Leaving San Jose 'for the better,' says Burish
DeBoer committed to playing Burns on Sharks' blue line
Scott signs with Coyotes as Pacific Division bulks up
Read More

49ers

49ers join high-tech world of practice reps
DeBartolo to present for Haley at Hall of Fame
67,000 fill Lambeau as Packers induct Favre into Hall of Fame
Carson Palmer 'not even thinking about knee' during workouts
Read More

Raiders

Raiders' Cooper unsatisfied with 'Madden 16' rating: 'That'll go up'
Raiders fantasy preview: Cooper primed for early impact
Carr's private minicamp 'great refresher' for Raiders passing game
Deflate-gate football sold by auction house
Read More

Warriors

Warriors summer league observations: Looney shows flashes
McAdoo: I 'can really help' Warriors next season, Kerr agrees
Seth Curry among stars of NBA Summer League
Warriors fall to Pelicans in NBA summer league tourney
Read More

NCAA

San Jose State dismisses WR after domestic battery arrest
Pac-12 has plan for business growth, will others follow?
Report: After assaults, Fisher bans FSU players from bars
Pac-12 setting new standard with centralized conference sales
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Instant Replay: Hudson, Giants fall short as winning streak ends
Alex Pavlovic

GIANTS VIDEO

Toe the Rubber: Tim Hudson vs. Ian Kennedy
Toe the Rubber: Tim Hudson vs. Ian Kennedy
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Instant Replay: Hudson, Giants fall short as winning streak ends
  • Giants notes: Aoki could return Friday; Machi DFA'd
  • Bochy gives explanation on Lincecum's absence from Giants
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Women’s baseball makes debut at Pan Am Games
Associated Press

A's VIDEO

Phegley details message to Chavez during outing vs. Twins
Phegley details message to Chavez during outing vs. Twins
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • Examining A's potential trade partners
  • Rewind: Butler's revival proves reason for optimism
  • Instant Replay: A's ruin Milone's return, crush Twins 14-1
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Tarasov leaves Sharks for KHL
(12)
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Kurz: With Jones in fold, Sharks still need help in several spots
Kurz: With Jones in fold, Sharks still need help in several spots
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Tarasov leaves Sharks for KHL
  • Sharks notes: Leaving San Jose 'for the better,' says Burish
  • DeBoer committed to playing Burns on Sharks' blue line
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Warriors summer league observations: Looney shows flashes
(27)
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

Barkley: 'Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors'
Barkley: 'Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors'
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Bill Herenda
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Channel locations

Latest News

Report: Kings reach agreement with forward Quincy Acy
CSN Bay Area staff

Kings Video

Sim Bhullar reveals he's 25-30 pounds lighter entering Summer League
Sim Bhullar reveals he's 25-30 pounds lighter entering Summer League
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

49ers join high-tech world of practice reps
(18)
Matt Maiocco

49ers VIDEO

Kaepernick changing young fans' lives through Camp Taylor
Kaepernick changing young fans' lives through Camp Taylor
See more >

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders' Cooper unsatisfied with 'Madden 16' rating: 'That'll go up'
(3)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Madden saddened by Stabler's death, remembers glory days
Madden saddened by Stabler's death, remembers glory days
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders' Cooper unsatisfied with 'Madden 16' rating: 'That'll go up'
  • Carr's private minicamp 'great refresher' for Raiders passing game
  • Hayden, Raiders 2013 draft class entering pivotal season
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Alex Morgan ‘honored’ as first woman on FIFA video game cover
CSN Bay Area staff

Quakes Video

But Seriously: Why did FIFA president Blatter resign now?
But Seriously: Why did FIFA president Blatter resign now?
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Examining A's potential trade partners
(7)
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Instant Replay: Hudson, Giants fall short as winning streak ends
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers join high-tech world of practice reps
(18)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders' Cooper unsatisfied with 'Madden 16' rating: 'That'll go up'
(3)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Warriors summer league observations: Looney shows flashes
(27)
See more >

BILL HERENDA

Sources: Kings not interested in trading Cousins to Celtics
(4)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Tarasov leaves Sharks for KHL
(12)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Partnership with sports could make NASA self-sustaining

ENTER TO WIN A'S TICKETS!

more

Watch our A's Baseball Breakfast broadcasts to find out how to win free tickets!

SAY HEY TUESDAY

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

NCAA

Pac-12 setting new standard with centralized conference sales
Florida St. dismisses QB after video shows him hitting woman

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Morning Minute: Giants sweep, A's take rubber match from Twins
Morning Minute: Giants sweep, A's take rubber match from Twins
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Bill Herenda - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California