Breaking down the 2023 49ers roster with my locks, 50/50s, & long shots to make the 53-man roster

Now that the 49ers have a full roster, it’s time to breakdown the current 91 players, into 3 tiers, locks, 50/50s, and long shots to make the 2023 53-man roster.

Let’s begin with the locks.

1. QB 13 Brock Purdy(2025)- If Brock is 100% healthy, he should be on the 49ers 53-man roster, as he proved to be more than relevant, as he was undefeated in games he started, and finished, plus the team needs to figure out who the franchise QB is by the end of the season.
2. QB 5 Trey Lance(2024)- The 49ers traded up for Lance, giving up a lot to get him, and they’re hoping, if Purdy isn’t ready, that he can become the QB that they thought he would be, either way the team needs to figure out what they have in Trey, as he counts over $10 million in 2024, and that’s something that the 49ers can’t afford if Brock is the franchise QB.
3. QB 14 Sam Darnold(2023)- The 49ers signed Darnold to a 1-year deal, and guaranteed him $3.5 million, fully so he’s here to stick around, plus he got $7 million in incentives, with $1.8 million of them counting against the cap as LTBEs.
4. RB 23 Christian McCaffrey(2025)- The 49ers picked up McCaffrey in a mid-season trade, giving up a lot(a 2023 2nd, 3rd, & 4th, plus a 2024 5th), but it was worth it, he was the teams’ offensive weapon in 2023, with over 1000 combined yards between rushing, & receiving, and 10 touchdowns, along with a. passing touchdown in his full debut.
5. RB 25 Elijah Mitchell(2024)- Mitchell has shown that when healthy, he can be a very very good change of pace back, someone with speed, & he just hits the holes, & goes, but the health is the concern, as he had 2 sprained MCL injuries last year, but he should be on the 53 this season.
6. RB 24 Jordan Mason(2024)- The 49ers found a good one in former UDFA Jordan Mason, who didn’t play much, but when he did, boy was he effective, and I expect him to have a bigger role in the teams’ offense.
7. FB 44 Kyle Juszcyzk(2025)- Juice is hands down, the best fullback in the game, he can lineup in the backfield, in the slot, he can catch the ball, he can run with the ball, and even hold the ball on field goals or extra point attempts, so expect Juice to be a 49er for a long time.
8. WR 19 Deebo Samuel(2025)- Deebo had a down year, after signing a 3-year extension, worth $23.85 million a year, but I expect him to be back to his 2021 self, where he amassed over 1000 receiving yards, and over 200 rush yards, so expect Deebo to be a 49er for a while.
9. WR 11 Brandon Aiyuk(2024)- Aiyuk had his 5th-year option picked up, guaranteeing him $14.124 million in 2024, and John Lynch has said he’s apart of the teams plans, and I 100% believe the 49ers will extend Aiyuk come next offseason, and yes it’s doable to keep both Deebo, & BA long term.
10. WR 15 Jauan Jennings(2023)- Jennings signed his ERFA tender, worth $940,000, and he’s really grown over the past 2 seasons, he’s a 3rd down machine, with people calling him 3rd & Jauan, but as far as long term, the team will likely not be able to pay JJ long term, so fans should be happy to have him the next 2 years, as he will be a UFA in 2025.
11. WR/KR/PR 3 Ray-Ray McCloud III(2023)- The 49ers signed McCloud last year in free agency, and he didn’t disappoint, as he was reliable on kickoffs & punt returns, yes he had a fumble or 2, but it didn’t hurt the team, plus he had a sweet 71-yard rush touchdown with Deebo out due to injury.
12. WR 6 Danny Gray(2025)- Gray didn’t get a lot of opportunity as a receiver in 2023, but I expect that to change in 2024, as I believe the 49ers will give Gray more playing time at WR, and he’s a great special teams player, a key guy for them on that unit.
13. TE 85 George Kittle(2025)- The 49ers have, in my eyes, the best all around tight end in the game in Kittle, and he really shined when Brock Purdy became QB1, as we saw him become more of a threat in the redzone and as a pass catcher all around, he really reverted to his 2018 ways when he broke the single season record for receiving yards by a TE.
14. TE 81 Cameron Latu(2026)- The 49ers used the 102nd pick in this years draft to pick Latu, and I fully expect him to be on the 53, he should become TE2 early on, as he’s a good pass catcher, and a good blocker.
15. TE 9 Brayden Willis(2026)- This may surprise some, but I have Willis, who was a 7th-round pick, as a lock, due to the fact that he is just a freak athlete, he can catch the ball, he can block, and he can even lineup at fullback, so he’s a lock for me.
16. C 64 Jake Brendel(2026)- The 49ers retained Brendel on a 4-year deal, worth $18 million max, and he really shined last year, no he’s not the greatest center in the NFL, or anywhere near it, but he’s reliable, and a very good blocker.
17. C 55 Jon Feliciano(2023)- Feliciano signed a 1-year deal, with a max value of $3.25 million, and he comes with experience, as he started for the Giants at center last year, in I believe every game, he also has played both guard spots, so look for him to push for a starting spot.
18. LG 65 Aaron Banks(2024)- The 49ers found a good one in Banks, who was a 2021 2nd-round pick, who sat behind former 49er Laken Tomlinson, so I expect great things, as he was very very good in 2022.
19. LG 63 Nick Zakelj(2025)- Zakelj was a 6th-round pick in 2022, and he has so much versatility, so some may view him as a guy with a chance, I have him as a lock to make the team.
20. RG 74 Spencer Burford(2025)- I expect Burford to be the teams’ starting right guard this season, and he should take that next leap in my opinion, to help solidify the right side of the offensive line.
21. LT 71 Trent Williams(2026)- There was talks of Williams retiring, but those weren’t true, as he’s returning for 2023, and I believe beyond, as the team opted into his 2024-2026 contract years, and Trent is the best left tackle in the game, even being in his mid 30s, he’s a beast.
22. RT 68 Colton McKivitz(2024)- The 49ers gave McKivitz a new 2-year deal, and he’s likely to be the teams’ starter at right tackle, especially since the team didn’t draft a Tackle or any offensive lineman in this years draft.
23. DE 97 Nick Bosa(2023)- Bosa, the reigning defensive player of the year, should have just as much as an impact this season, as he did last year, when he had 18.5 sacks, and also expect him to become the highest paid non-QB, likely in the $35 million a year range later this summer.
24. DE 95 Drake Jackson(2025)- The 49ers made Jackson a 2nd-round pick in 2022, and I expect him to take the next step, as he’s added muscle, as it was aware that he wasn’t ready for the grind of a 17-game schedule, but watch out this season, as I expect him to have a big year.
25. DE 94 Clelin Ferrell(2023)- The 49ers added the former 1st-rounder, former Raider Ferrell on a 1-year deal, and he should make this team, as a nice reclamation project for DL coach Kris Kocurek to help resurrect his career.
26. DE 33 Robert Beal Jr.(2026)- The 49ers made Beal a 5th-round pick, and he has so much untapped potential, and that’s why I have him as a lock, as he has 4.4 speed, and he won’t last on the practice squad.
27. DT 91 Arik Armstead(2024)- Armstead didn’t have a sack last year, and he was hurt for most of the season, but when he did play, he wreaked havoc on the opposing offense, despite no sacks, he was still a dominant IDL that is so underrated with not just NFL fans in general, but with 49ers fans, he’s a great player, a key to this defense.
28. DT 90 Kevin Givens(2023)- Givens was re-signed to a 1-year deal, with $2 million fully guaranteed, and he stepped in last year, and played very well, a guy who can play both IDL spots in the 49ers scheme, he’s a keeper for 2023.
29. DT 99 Javon Kinlaw(2023)- Kinlaw was injured for most of 2022, so unless the team can find a trade partner, he’s here, as you save nothing by releasing him, and this is a put up or shut up year for him, he had his 5th-year option declined, so this is his last year as a 49er.
30. NT 98 Javon Hargrave(2026)- Hargrave, one of the top free agents, even ranked as high as the best free agent, was signed to a 4-year, $84 million deal, with $40 million guaranteed, all fully, and he’s going to bring so much to the 49ers DL, being able to be a good pass rusher from the inside will help tremendously.
31. NT 93 Kalia Davis(2025)- I have Davis as a lock, as the team is very high on him, John Lynch compared him to another D.J. Jones, and that’s how I view him.
32. WLB 57 Dre Greenlaw(2024)- The 49ers gave Greenlaw a 2-year extension last year, worth $8.2 million a year, and he has already outplayed his deal, so I expect the 49ers to reward him in 2024 with a new deal, but Greenlaw is a beast, and a sure fire tackler.
33. MLB 54 Fred Warner(2026)- Warner is in my eyes the best off-the-ball linebacker in the NFL, he led the team in tackles, he’s the heart & soul of the defense in my opinion, I can’t wait to see him in 2023.
34. MLB 48 Oren Burks(2023)- The 49ers signed Burks to a 2-year deal last offseason, so this is probably his last year with the 49ers, but he’s a lock to make the team in my eyes, as he’s just a great special teamer, and a serviceable linebacker.
35. CB 7 Charvarius Ward(2024)- Ward, dubbed Mooney Ward, was a lockdown cornerback for the 49ers last year, and I expect him to continue with that this year, and expect him to be locked up long term next offseason.
36. CB 2 Deommodore Lenoir(2024)- Lenoir got off to a shaky start when former 49ers starting corner Emmanuel Moseley went down with a torn ACL, but he really came into his own, being a good option opposite Ward.
37. CB 22 Isaiah Oliver(2024)- Oliver was signed to a 2-year deal this offseason, and expect him to be the slot cornerback, as he was ranked as the 6th best corner against the run, giving the 49ers 2 of the best, as Mooney Ward was among the top 5 in that category.
38. CB 26 Samuel Womack III(2025)- Womack started the season as the slot cornerback, and then became a backup on the outside, & inside, but also a valuable special teamer, expect him to be here in 2023.
39. CB 28 Darrell Luter Jr.(2026)- The 49ers made Luter a 5th-round pick, and I have him a lock, he’s got good size, and is a good all around player.
40. FS 31 Tashaun Gipson Sr.(2023)- Gipson signed a 1-year deal to come back for 2023, and he played really good, leading the team in INTs with 5, and he was just a very good player overall.
41. FS 27 Ji’Ayir Brown(2026)- The 49ers traded up to get Brown at pick 87, and he’s a guy who has better speed than his 40 time indicates, I can’t wait for the day we see Ji’Ayir & Talanoa Hufanga at safety for the 49ers.
42. FS 38 Myles Hartsfield(2023)- The former Panther, Hartsfield, signed with the 49ers, with no guaranteed money, but he’s a special teams ace, and has great versatility, being able to play both safety spots, giving the team even more versatility on the backend of their defense.
43. SS 29 Talanoa Hufanga(2024)- Hufanga was a 5th-round pick in 2022, and really broke out in 2022, where he had more than 1 INT, he was named as a Pro-Bowler, and more importantly an All-Pro.
44. SS 30 George Odum(2024)- Odum was signed to a 3-year deal last year, and played very well on special teams, so much that he was named 2nd-team All-Pro for his work on special teams, as he led the team in special teams tackles.
45. PK 4 Jake Moody(2026)- Moody was the 99th-overall pick in the 2023 draft, and he’s expected to be the teams new kicker, there’s no way the team cuts him in favor of Zane Gonzalez, but you never know, the team did cut Trey Sermon 1 year after he was drafted, among other players, but I personally like the Moody pick, as was the best kicker in the nation.
46. P 18 Mitch Wishnowsky(2026)- The 49ers rewarded Wishnowsky with a new 4-year extension last year, so he’s signed thru 2026, and he even earned $100,000 thanks to punting percentage inside the 20-yard line, and he had his best season as a 49er.
47. LS 46 Taybor Pepper(2025)- The 49ers kept Taybor on a 3-year deal, and he’s one of, if not, the best long snappers in the NFL, and when you don’t hear the announcers say the LS’s name, then you know he’s a good one.

Next up are my 50/50s, players that aren’t locks, but not long shots, meaning they’re fighting for roster spots.

1. QB 4 Brandon Allen(2023)- The 49ers gave Allen $200K in guaranteed money, so he has a shot to make the team if Purdy isn’t ready to go, if not then he’ll likely be the practice squad QB.
2. RB 32 Tyrion Davis-Price(2025)- TDP was a 3rd-rounder in 2022, and he didn’t get much playing time in 2022, but when he did he showed some promises, but there’s no guarantee the team keeps 4 backs.
3. WR 10 Ronnie Bell(2026)- Bell has so much upside, the 7th-round pick, really went overlooked, and I think he makes the team, especially if the team keeps 6 WRs, which I believe they will.
4. WR 17 Chris Conley(2023)- Conley got $400K of his base salary guaranteed, but that’s right around what he’d make if he signs to the teams’ practice squad, but he has a shot at the 53.
5. WR 83 Willie Snead IV(2023)- Snead got $250K of his base salary guaranteed, but that’s less than what he’d make as a practice squader, but he does have a shot at the 53.
6. WR 86 Tay Martin(2023)- Martin has a shot, albeit a small shot of being the teams’ 6th WR, but he did play in a couple games in 2022, mostly on special teams.
7. TE 82 Ross Dwelley(2023)- Dwelley got a 1-year deal, with $700K guaranteed, more than what he’d make on the practice squad, so if the team does keep 4 TEs, then Dwelley is likely the 4th TE.
8. TE 89 Charlie Woerner(2023)- Woerner, a former 6th-rounder, is in the running for a potential 4th TE spot, but he hasn’t really developed, especially as a blocker, as that was the area he was considered to be the best at.
9. RG 51 Jason Poe(2023)- The former UDFA out of Mercer, isn’t very tall, but he is very versatile, as he can play Guard, & Center, so he has a shot to be the backup interior offensive lineman.
10. LT 75 Matt Pryor(2023)- The 49ers signed Pryor to a 1-year deal, with no guaranteed money, so he’s not guaranteed a spot, and he’ll likely battle for the Swing Tackle spot.
11. RT 76 Jaylon Moore(2024)- Moore hasn’t really carved out a spot on the offensive line, yet, so I expect him to compete to be the teams’ new Swing Tackle.
12. RT 66 Joey Fisher(2025)- Fisher is the only UDFA that I see having a legit shot at making the team, either as a backup Tackle, or Guard.
13. DE 56 Austin Bryant(2023)- Bryant got $550K of his base salary guaranteed, and he should have the upper hand on making the 53, as a reclamation project for Kris Kocurek.
14. DE 92 Kerry Hyder Jr.(2023)- Hyder got nothing guaranteed, so unless he really impresses, he could be headed to the practice squad, but he’ll be fighting for a potential 11th DL spot.
15. DE 58 Alex Barrett(2023)- Barrett is likely headed to the teams’ practice squad, but he has a chance to be the teams’ 5th EDGE rusher.
16. DT 96 T.Y. McGill Jr.(2023)- McGill was given $400K of his base salary guaranteed, and he should be at least a practice squader, if not, he’ll be fighting for the teams’ potential 11th DL spot.
17. WLB 59 Curtis Robinson(2023)- Robinson is a player the 49ers like, but I expect him to be outplayed by several other players, thus relegated to being a practice squader.
18. SLB 45 Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles(2023)- DFF got $1.25 million in guaranteed money, so you would think he’d be a lock, but he isn’t in my eyes, as the team drafted two very promising linebackers.
19. SLB 53 Dee Winters(2026)- Winters in my eyes will make the 53-man roster, as he’s a gifted player, a good tackler, and should fit in well with this defense.
20. SLB 50 Jalen Graham(2026)- Graham, a 7th-rounder out of Purdue, is fighting for the SAM LB spot, along with Flannigan-Fowles, McCrary-Ball, & Winters, so it’ll be a great battle, but I expect him to make the team as one of the teams’ 5 LBs.
21. SLB 40 Marcelino McCrary-Ball(2023)- McCrary-Ball is a former UDFA, and should at least be a practice squad candidate, if not a candidate for the SAM LB job.
22. CB 20 Ambry Thomas(2024)- I currently have 5 corners as locks, so Ambry needs to really do something to standout if he wants to make the team, as it’s looking like he’s another 3rd-round bust.
23. CB 43 Qwuantrezz Knight(2023)- A former UDFA, Knight needs to have a solid camp to be in the running for a potential 6th cornerback spot, but he should be a practice squad candidate.
24. PK 10 Zane Gonzalez(2023)- Gonzalez isn’t guaranteed anything from his $1.465 million base salary, so he has a shot at making the team, he’s most likely heading for either the practice squad, or another team.

Now, my long shots.

1. RB 35 Ronald Awatt(2025)- I see Awatt as a practice squad candidate.
2. RB 36 Khalan Laborn(2025)- The same with Awatt, I see Laborn as a practice squad candidate.
3. FB 49 Jack Colletto(2025)- The 49ers already have Juice, so Colletto is likely heading to the practice squad.
4. WR 84 Dazz Newsome(2023)- Dazz is a longshot, as there’s too much depth ahead of him.
5. WR 2 Isaiah Winstead(2023)- Winstead signed as a UDFA, but I don’t see him being on the 53, more likely he gets a shot at the practice squad.
6. WR 18 Shae Wyatt(2023)- Wyatt was a UDFA out of Tulane, but I just don’t see him as more than a practice squader.
7. TE 47 Troy Fumagalli(2023)- Fumagalli was signed to a 1-year deal, and is likely a practice squad candidate.
8. C 67 Keith Ismael(2023)- Ismael will likely battle with UDFA Corey Luciano for a spot on the teams’ practice squad.
9. C 61 Corey Luciano(2025)- I expect Luciano to compete with Keith Ismael for a spot on the practice squad.
10. LT 78 Leroy Watson(2023)- Watson was on the teams’ practice squad last year, and is likely destined for that again, at best.
11. LT 60 Ilm Manning(2025)- Manning, a UDFA, from Hawaii, will likely be battling for a spot on the teams’ practice squad.
12. RT 77 Alfredo Gutierrez(2023)- Gutierrez is the teams’ international pathway program player, and will likely be on the practice squad.
13. DE 69 Spencer Waege(2025)- Waege a UDFA out of North Dakota State is likely a practice squad candidate.
14. DT 62 Marlon Davidson(2023)- Davidson is likely competing for a spot on the teams’ practice squad.
15. MLB 51 Mariano Sori-Marin(2025)- The 49ers signed Sori-Marin out of Minnesota as a UDFA, but he’s likely competing for a spot on the teams’ practice squad.
16. CB 35 Tre Swilling(2023)- Swilling is likely battling for a spot on the practice squad.
17. CB 49 D’Shawn Jamison(2025)- Jamison, a UDFA out of Texas, is likely a practice squad candidate.
18. CB 47 A.J. Parker(2023)- Parker, like Swilling, & Jamison, is likely a practice squad candidate.
19. FS 36 Avery Young(2025)- Young is a versatile player, he can play both corner & safety, but I expect him to be on the teams’ practice squad.
20. FS 41 Tayler Hawkins(2023)- Hawkins is likely competing with Avery Young for a practice squad spot.

With that said, I thank you for reading, and follow me on Twitter @49erscap.

About Author

Jason Hurley

Die Hard 49ers fan from New York, been covering the 49ers salary cap since 2005, with several different websites, including NinersNation.com, & the now defunct NinerCapHell, I have a track record of being as accurate as possible, & I try to be as thorough as possible.

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