We’re continuing the 9-part series where I rank each player, from 1-91, & of course today we’re ranking players 21-30.
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.
30. MLB 48 Oren Burks(2023)
2023 Cap Number: $2,773,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Burks is another one of those special teams aces that the 49ers signed in 2022, and he didn’t disappoint, as Burks showed that he can not only be a great special teamer, but also a good backup linebacker.
29. SS 30 George Odum(2024)
2023 Cap Number: $2,340,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Odum is a special teams ace, he was an All-Pro last year, and he earned that, he led the team in special team tackles, so I expect even more great things from him in 2023.
28. WR/KR/PR 3 Ray-Ray McCloud III(2023)
2023 Cap Number: $2,090,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers really made a great signing last year when it comes to McCloud, he showed it in the return game, and had a sweet 71-yard end around touchdown when Deebo Samuel was out, I expect nothing but good things from Ray-Ray.
27. QB 14 Sam Darnold(2023)
2023 Cap Number: $5,711,765
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers added Darnold in the offseason, and I think this is a great fit for both the 49ers, & Darnold, he went 4-2 in 6 games last year with the Panthers, so even if he’s the 3rd QB, I’m fine with it.
26. RG 74 Spencer Burford(2025)
2023 Cap Number: $6,565,221
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Burford didn’t play the entire season as the teams’ RG, as he split reps with Daniel Brunskill, who left for the Titans, but Burford got better, and better each week, so I’m excited to see what Burford does in 2023.
25. C 55 Jon Feliciano(2023)
2023 Cap Number: $2,250,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers added Feliciano in the offseason on a 1-year deal, and this is a great pickup, as he is very versatile, not only can he play center, but both guard spots, such a savy signing by the 49ers.
24. C 64 Jake Brendel(2026)
2023 Cap Number: $2,272,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers brought bac their center in Jake Brendel, and I am ecstatic that they did so, as he was very good all year long, not great, but he was a Pro Bowl alternate, so that says something, so I expect Brendel to be the teams’ starting center for the foreseeable future.
23. FS 31 Tashaun Gipson Sr.(2023)
2023 Cap Number: $2,100,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers re-signed Gipson to a 1-year deal this offseason, after a year in which he led the 49ers in INTs with 5, he provides veteran leadership, and he really helped Hufanga come into his own.
22. DE 95 Drake Jackson(2025)
2023 Cap Number: $1,339,180
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: Jackson had an impressive start to his career, where he had 3 sacks, but he was inactive for a good portion of the post season, as well as towards the end of the season, and this is mainly due to his body not being fully ready for the grind of a 17+ game schedule, but I expect him to start opposite Nick Bosa, unless the team signs a veteran EDGE.
21. P 18 Mitch Wishnowsky(2026)
2023 Cap Number: $1,800,000
Chance of making Roster: Lock
Analysis: The 49ers rewarded Wishnowsky with a 4-year extension last year, and they were right to do so, as Wishnowsky earned a $100,000 incentive for his ability to pin the opponent inside their 20-yard line.
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