Today we enter the top 20 of my rankings of the 49ers roster from 1-90, with players 20-11.
20. DE Samson Ebukam
2021 Cap Number: $3,720,588
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: I know this may be a bit high in some peoples eyes, but Ebukam has all the skills, and talent, I think he just needed a change of scenery, along with a new defense, as he thrives when he’s being used as an EDGE rusher, not as a cover linebacker like the Rams used him, and if he can develop more, as he is young, under the tutelage of defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, the 49ers may have found their starting EDGE opposite Nick Bosa.
19. SS Jaquiski Tartt
2021 Cap Number: $987,500
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: Tartt has had his ups & downs, mainly when it comes to injuries, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that his market just wasn’t there, but also the fact that the safety market is very hard to figure out, so while he may have thought he had a chance at cashing in, ultimately, he chose to come back to the 49ers, on a 1-year, veteran minimum salary benefit deal, for just $987,500 against the cap, likely in hopes to cash in next offseason, which he could do with the 49ers if 2021 5th-rounder Talanoa Hufanga doesn’t overtake his spot for 2022.
18. NT D.J. Jones
2021 Cap Number: $3,455,882
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: Jones re-signed with the 49ers, signing a 1-year deal, worth $3.5 million, likely with the hopes of cashing in next offseason, and if he has a good year, like his 2019 year, which saw him run down Kyler Murray for a sack, which was something to see for a guy his size, the deceptively fast speed he has, he very well could cash in, and hopefully the 49ers decide to keep Jones around on a multi-year deal.
17. PK Robbie Gould
2021 Cap Number: $2,609,313
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: While Gould has regressed a bit, especially on field goals over 50-yards, he’s still been GOLD when it comes to field goals inside 50-yards, and he helped the team late last season when he renegotiated his contract, helping the save the 49ers some cap room for 2021, and in return, his 2022 salary is fully guaranteed, so the 49ers have their place kicker for the next 2 years.
16. RB Raheem Mostert
2021 Cap Number: $3,600,981
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: Mostert had a breakout season in 2019, where he led the team in rushing yards, and had a huge NFC Championship game, but fast forward to 2020, and Mostert missed half of the season due to injuries, so he’s going to need to stay healthy, because when he’s healthy, he’s a top tier back in my opinion, good enough to potentially rush for 1000+ yards.
15. DT Javon Kinlaw
2021 Cap Number: $3,520,159
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: Kinlaw is a player that 49ers fans seem to be split on, some think he’s not going to be any good, based on 1 season where he didn’t have a regular offseason, and others, like myself, who believe he will breakout, become a stud defensive tackle, and be a part of the 49ers long term future, so I expect Kinlaw to have a breakout season in 2021.
14. RT Mike McGlinchey
2021 Cap Number: $6,006,052
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: While McGlinchey is an elite run blocker, he has struggled in the pass protection area, with him acknowledging it, as he has put on more weight, with the hopes of having a bounce back season in 2021, and I think the 49ers are banking on it, as they exercised his 5th-year option, which under the old 2011 CBA was only guaranteed for injury, then fully on the first day of the new league year, but under the 2020 CBA, his option, $10.808 million for 2022, is fully guaranteed, so McGlinchey is definitely a part of the 49ers future, but with Ryan Ramcyzk breaking the right tackle market, how will that effect how much McGlinchey will command?
13. FS Jimmie Ward
2021 Cap Number: $10,911,765
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: While Ward isn’t known as a ball hawk, he has been a consistent defensive back for the 49ers since Kyle Shanahan & John Lynch took over in 2017, as he’s been a playmaker on defense, forcing fumbles, being a good tackler, and very versatile, as he can play both safety spots, as well as play both outside cornerback, and in the slot, so I expect Ward to have another solid season.
12. CB K’Waun Williams
2021 Cap Number: $987,500
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: K’Waun is without a doubt a top 2 slot cornerback in my opinion, so it surprised me when the market for Williams was so low, low the fact that he signed a 1-year deal, which is the Fourth Year Qualifying Contract benefit deal, where he will get paid $2,377,500 in cash, but only $1,127,500 counts against the cap, which helps the 49ers out a ton, as that’s a $1.25 million savings, so I expect him to play his heart out, knowing he will have another chance in 2022 to cash in, and hopefully it’s with the 49ers, despite the fact that 2021 5th-round pick Deommodore Lenoir could be looked at as the 49ers future slot cornerback.
11. LG Laken Tomlinson
2021 Cap Number: $6,561,647
Chance At Making Active Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers really struck gold when they traded a late rounder for former Detroit Lions 1st-rounder Laken Tomlinson, who has been an iron man, playing damn near every snap possible since becoming a 49ers, and while he’s not the best pass protector, he’s an elite run blocker, and depending on how well the young interior offensive lineman, like Jaylon Moore, Aaron Banks, Colton McKivitz, & Daniel Brunskill, pan out, the 49ers might be wise to lock up Tomlinson for the foreseeable future.
So with all of this said, I thank everyone for reading article, as always you can follow me on Twitter @49erscap, or leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you.
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