Possible logjam at running back if everyone’s healthy
SANTA CLARA >> Not since 2003 have the 49ers produced a top-10 offense in total yards or points. Here is how this year’s depth chart looks heading into training camp (*projected starter):
QUARTERBACKS (4)
Lock: *Jimmy Garoppolo
Bubble: Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard
Long shot: Wilton Speight
Analysis: Garoppolo still must prove fully recovered from left-knee reconstruction, and if that isn’t accomplished after three exhibitions, will the 49ers keep three QBs? Mullens should have the edge at QB2 based on his passing proficiency as a 3-5 starter to close last season. Beathard rebounded well in the offseason program, after two seasons as a punching bag in the pocket.
RUNNING BACKS (7)
Locks: Tevin Coleman, Kyle Juszczyk (FB), Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida
Bubble: Raheem Mostert, Jeffrey Wilson Jr.
Long shot: Austin Walter Analysis: Someone good is getting cut. Coleman gets the early nod as the potential workhorse. However, McKinnon and Breida easily could be the 1,000-yard rusher this offense needs, too, assuming McKinnon makes a perfect comeback from knee reconstruction and Breida’s pectoral tear is healed. Mostert’s twice-repaired forearm is a concern but his special-teams prowess gives him job security.
WIDE RECEIVERS (11)
Locks: Dante Pettis, Marquise Goodwin, Deebo Samuel, Trent Taylor, Jalen Hurd
Bubble: Jordan Matthews, Kendrick Bourne, Richie James Jr.
Long shots: Max McCaffrey, Shawn Poindexter, Malik Henry
Analysis: Increased competition exits, but remember, the 49ers wanted Odell Beckham Jr., so who will step up as a playmaker? Goodwin ought to prove he’s more valuable than a specialized, part-time role. Pettis must emerge as a full-time threat in Year 2. Samuel figures to serve as a physical, go-to target. Matthews has veteran versatility. Can Bourne continue his ascent, and will Hurd be physically cleared?
TIGHT ENDS (6)
Lock: George Kittle
Bubble: Garrett Celek, Ross Dwelley, Kaden Smith
Long shots: Levine Toilolo, Tyree Mayfield
Analysis: Celek’s health (back surgery, concussion) puts his seven-year tenure in doubt and opens the door for Dwelley and Smith to complement Kittle, who is primed for an impressive encore to his record-setting 2018.
OFFENSIVE LINE (16)
Locks: Joe Staley (LT), Laken Tomlinson (LG), Weston Richburg (C) , Mike Person (RG), Mike McGlinchey (RT)
Bubble: Joshua Garnett (G/C), Ben Garland (G/C), Shon Coleman (T), Justin Skule (T)
Long shots: Erik Magnuson (G/C), Najee Toran (G/C), Willie Beavers (T), Daniel Brunskill (G), Christian DiLauro (G), Wesley Johnson (G/C), Ross Reynolds (T)
Analysis: All five starters return and that familiarity is especially beneficial if the interior linemen prove healthier and, well, better. Coleman is the projected swing tackle but no lock. If Richburg’s return is hindered, then the 49ers need Garland or perhaps even Garnett ready to shift to center.