The San Francisco 49ers got their first preseason game out of the way. The team went up against the Tennessee Titans and lost 19-13.
Most of the starters didn't play for the 49ers, so we got to see some good snaps from young guys and players on the bubble. When healthy, the 49ers have one of the most talented rosters in the league, so there aren't a ton of obvious holes.
As a result, we already have a good idea of who the starters will be. Today, let's take a stab at projecting the team's starting lineup in 2026.
49ers' Offensive Starters
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Quarterback:Brock Purdy
Running Back:Christian McCaffrey
Wide Receiver:Mike Evans
Wide Receiver:De'Zhaun Stribling
Tight End: George Kittle
Slot Receiver:Deebo Samuel
Left Tackle: Trent Williams
Left Guard: Connor Colby
Center: Jake Brendel
Right Guard: Dominick Puni
Right Tackle: Colton McKivitz
There are only two positions on offense that are up for grabs: the starting receiver spot opposite Mike Evans, and left guard.
Connor Colby and Robert Jones have been battling for the left guard spot all summer, but neither have been able to pull away. Rookie Carver Willis recently entered the competition, but I think Colby steps up and claims the spot.
De'Zhaun Stribling has been too good to not see the field immediately. Christian Kirk's injury means the rookie gets the starting job.
49ers' Defensive Starters
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Defensive End: Nick Bosa
Defensive Tackle: Osa Odighizuwa
Defensive Tackle: Alfred Collins
Defensive End: Keion White
SAM Linebacker: Tatum Bethune
MIKE Linebacker: Fred Warner
WILL Linebacker: Dre Greenlaw
Cornerback: Renardo Green
Cornerback: Deommodore Lenoir
Nickel: Upton Stout
Safety: Ji'Ayir Brown
Safety: Malik Mustapha
This defense is not cut and dry like the offense. There are several position battles going on, including at safety and linebacker. It's also not guaranteed who will start opposite Nick Bosa.
The main X-factor here is going to be health. If this unit can stay healthy, it could be one of the best in the league. The secondary will also be key, as Renardo Green needs to prove he can be a reliable starter, and Malik Mustapha needs to claim the other safety job.
49ers' Specialists
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Kicker: Eddy Pineiro
Punter: Corliss Waitman
Long Snapper: Jon Weeks
Punt Returner: Will Pauling
Kick Returner: Will Pauling
There's no drama at kicker or long snapper, and the team seemingly ended the punter competition by releasing Jack Bouwmeester.
The returner jobs could go several different ways. I don't see Deebo Samuel returning kicks because of his importance on offense. Rookie UDFA Will Pauling got several opportunities to return in the preseason opener, and he did well.
