Today we end our 9-part series where I rank each player, from 1-91, & of course today we end up ranking players 1-10.
Note: The reason I’m doing 91 is because the 49ers are able to carry Alfredo Gutierrez on their roster without him counting against the 90-man limit.
10. DT 91 Arik Armstead(2024)
2023 Cap Number: $23,755,883
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Armstead didn’t have the year that 49ers fans hoped he’d have, he didn’t have a sack, but when he came back from his injury, he showed why he’s such a key piece to the 49ers defense, his run defense is great, and while, as I said, he had no sacks, he still got into the backfield with ease.
9. CB 7 Charvarius Ward(2024)
2023 Cap Number: $6,421,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Mooney Ward came into the 49ers as their big 2022 free agent acquisition, and he paid off, he was a lockdown cornerback, he’s just a great, underrated corner, who was among the top 5 run defending cornerbacks last season.
8. NT 98 Javon Hargrave(2026)
2023 Cap Number: $6,555,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers big pickup this past offseason, the 49ers brought in Hargrave on a 4-year deal, worth $84 million, with $40 million fully guaranteed, and he’s coming off a great year, where he had 11 sacks for the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, so I expect him to be just as dominant as he was last year, this year, especially coming over to the NFL’s top defense.
7. TE 85 George Kittle(2025)
2023 Cap Number: $18,033,751
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Kittle had a rebound year in 2022, especially when Brock Purdy became quarterback, where he had 11 receiving touchdowns, nearly 1000 yards receiving, he’s the best all-around tight end in my eyes.
6. WR 11 Brandon Aiyuk(2024)
2023 Cap Number: $3,987,248
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Aiyuk had a great year in 2022, he led the team in receiving yards, with over 1000, and he had 8 receiving touchdowns, he’s only getting better, and he should be the next offensive player to get an extension, likely next offseason, as the team picked up his 5th-year option, guaranteeing him $14.124 million in 2024.
5. RB 23 Christian McCaffrey(2025)
2023 Cap Number: $3,424,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: CMC gave the 49ers a huge lift when they brought him over from Carolina in a mid-season trade, that really saved their season, and helped lead them to the NFC Championship Game, and he had over 1000 scrimmage yards, and 11 touchdowns, including a passing touchdown in what was his first full game with the 49ers.
4. WR 19 Deebo Samuel(2025)
2023 Cap Number: $8,653,529
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Deebo had an off year, he didn’t hit 1000 receiving yards, but he did have a combined 864 scrimmage yards, and 5 touchdowns, so I expect a bounce back year, where we get 2021 Deebo, prioving he’s worth that big contract he got.
3. MLB 54 Fred Warner(2026)
2023 Cap Number: $9,049,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Warner is the one of the top 2 off the ball linebackers in the NFL, he’s proven that he’s a great tackler, leading the 49ers in tackles nearly every year, and he has great instincts.
2. LT 71 Trent Williams(2026)
2023 Cap Number: $23,755,883
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Trent Williams is the best LT in the NFL, he’s still at the top of his game, even in his mid 30s, and he’s like fine wine, he only gets better with age.
1. DE 97 Nick Bosa(2023)
2023 Cap Number: $17,859,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is the clear #1 player for the 49ers, he had 18.5 sacks in 2022, he’s a beast, and will soon become the highest paid non-QB.
Thanks for reading, and follow me on Twitter @49erscap.
About Author
