The San Francisco 49ers took on the Tennessee Titans to open the preseason. It wasn’t the prettiest game, and the Titans ended up winning 19-13.
The 49ers didn’t play hardly any of their projected starters, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t learn some things. We saw some good performances from bubble players, and also some bad ones.
After the preseason opener, has our final roster projection changed any? Let’s take a look.
Quarterback (3): Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Kurtis Rourke
David Gonzales-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
The change here is that Kurtis Rourke makes the team this time. I still think it’ll be hard to justify keeping three passers, but Rourke has performed well enough to deserve a spot.
The quarterback got injured in the opener, but it’s not expected to be serious. Klay Kubiak recently praised the passer, and it seems like the team is not interested in losing him.
Running Back (4): Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black, Jordan James, Kyle Juszczyk (FB)
The 49ers have one of the best running backs in the league, and it’s a good thing, because the depth is atrocious. Kaelon Black is a promising rookie and Jordan James has shown flashes, but both running backs are injured right now.
For this exercise, I’m predicting both get healthy in time for Week 1. The other depth options were terrible against the Titans, and I don’t see any of them making the roster.
Wide Receiver (6): Mike Evans, Demarcus Robinson, Deebo Samuel, De’Zhaun Stribling, Christian Kirk, Jordan Watkins
The only change here is Jordan Watkins gets kept instead of Jacob Cowing. Cowing can’t stay healthy and Watkins had a great game against the Titans.
I wanted to find a way to keep Will Pauling, but he’s the first cut. Christian Kirk has the edge as a proven veteran.
Tight End (3): George Kittle, Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell
No changes here. The tight ends who played against the Titans did nothing to show they deserve a spot. Because the 49ers use a fullback, only three tight ends are needed.
Offensive Line (9): Trent Williams, Robert Jones, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz, Vederian Lowe, Connor Colby, Carver Willis, Brett Toth
There are actually no changes with this group either. It may be risky to only keep one backup tackle, but Carver Willis played the position in college so he could fill in if needed.
The biggest question is still left guard. Robert Jones and Connor Colby continue to be inconsistent.
Edge Rusher (5): Mykel Williams, Nick Bosa, Romello Height, Sam Okuayinonu, Keion White
I really wanted to find a way to keep Ogbo Okoronkwo. The veteran picked up a sack and a couple pressures against the Titans, but I don’t see him making it over any of the guys above.
Interior Defensive Line (5): Alfred Collins, Osa Odighizuwa, C.J. West, Gracen Halton, Bryson Eason
The top four are set, and I still have Bryson Eason in the last slot. James Thompson Jr. and Sebastian Valdez continue to impress as well, so this race will come down to the last minute.
Linebacker (5): Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Tatum Bethune, Jaden Dugger, Luke Gifford
I had Nick Martin making it in my last projection and had Bethune as a trade candidate. However, Bethune has been much better than Martin this summer, so it’s more likely Martin gets moved. Gifford is safe due to special teams.
Cornerback (6): Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, Upton Stout, Ephesians Prysock, Jack Jones, Darrell Luter Jr.
The first five spots are locked in, meaning there’s probably one spot available. I have Darrell Luter Jr. getting in over Nate Hobbs because of his special teams prowess.
Safety (4): Malik Mustapha, Ji’Ayir Brown, Marques Sigle, Siran Neal
We haven’t seen anything yet that would make me change this projection. The depth could definitely end up being a concern here.
