I wanted to throw my hat into the ring for roster projections. I removed some of our bottom depth and replaced them with unproven guys who could either surprise or get churned themselves next year.

OFFENSE

QB(3): Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Scott Tolzien

RB(4): Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Brandon Jacobs

TE(2): Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker

WR(5): Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins, Nathan Palmer

OL(9): Joe Staley(T), Anthony Davis(T), Jonathan Goodwin(C), Mike Iupati(G), Joe Looney(G), Alex Boone(T), Leonard Davis(G/T), Daniel Kilgore(C/G), Jason Slowey(G/C)

FB(1): Bruce Miller

DEFENSE

DL(6): Isaac Sopoaga(NT), Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Ricky Jean-Francois, Demarcus Dobbs, Will Tukuafu

ILB(3): Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Larry Grant

OLB(5): Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson, Eric Bakhtiari, Michael Wilhoite

CB(5): Carlos Rogers, Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver, Perrish Cox, Darcel McBath

S(5): Donte Whitner, Dashon Goldson, C.J. Spillman, Trenton Robinson, Michael Thomas

SPECIAL TEAMS

P(1): Andy Lee

K(1): David Akers

LS(1): Brian Jennings

RS(1): Ted Ginn, Jr.

Misc(1): Rock Cartwright

Hold on for the explanations.

In the quarterback grouping, I subscribe to Ougadas' theory that since Josh Johnson and Colin Kaepernick bring very similar skillsets that they are competing for #2 and the loser gets cut, leaving Scott Tolzien the less explosive, game manager-type role at #3.

I think Jacobs has made strides to become a better power back and will be rewarded for his effort with a roster spot, beating out Anthony Dixon.

With the emergence of Demarcus Dobbs as a two-way player and an improved offensive line, we don't need to keep three tight ends.

The unproven Nathan Palmer will just beat out Kyle Williams for the last wide receiver spot.

On the offensive line, Person will be relegated to the practice squad (I believe he's eligible still) in favor of inside depth and Leonard Davis' veteran experience which will benefit Iupati, turning him into the beast he could be with better technique, as well as help Looney, Kilgore, and Slowey improve their games.

Not much to say about fullback except I just don't think Dixon has what it takes to beat out Miller for the job and they certainly don't need two with Tukuafu and Wilhoite getting reps at the position as well.

The defensive line might be the easiest position group to predict. Ian Williams gets stuck on the practice squad if he passes waivers and the rest of last year's returning group keeps their spots.

Here's where I start jumping the shark. These three are obvious roster locks. Much like the the coaches gambled on OLB depth last season, I think they'll gamble on ILB depth this season.

For OLBs the top three are once again solid and by all reports have been getting almost equal reps in camp. Behind them I think Cam Johnson doesn't move past his knee injury and gets beat by Bakhtiari while Wilhoite's fullback work just pushes him onto the roster.

Cornerback is simple. Cox beats out Tramaine Brock. Our top four cornerbacks are a solid group. McBath is listed as a CB by the team but we need safety depth and he fits the bill. Sorry Cory Nelms.

Safety is just as simple. The top four are the obvious top four. The team keeps five because of the passing offenses on the schedule and Thomas has the edge knowing the system and is getting reps at nickelback.

I feel like none of the special teams projections really need an explanation. Andy Lee is Team MVP. Cartwright was signed specifically for his special teams play. Ginn is a solid returner to say the least. He won't get any snaps at wide receiver except for the occasional trick play because Jenkins and Palmer need them to develop.