The San Francisco 49ers released their first depth chart of the 2015 season, and it is no surprise that it is going to keep us guessing until Monday. The team listed four different positions with a big "OR" for how it will shake out. The 49ers PR staff puts the depth chart together, so we take it with a grain of salt, but it can still be interesting to analyze.
The return positions remain the big question mark. Jim Tomsula said the team has made a decision, but he would not provide any further details. I honestly have no idea what to expect. I do know that if the preseason is any indication, this might be the deepest group of returners the 49ers have had in a long time. They got strong work in 2011 and 2012 from Ted Ginn, but even then they did not have a particularly great backup. Conceivably the 49ers could have three legitimately strong options. I'll try to avoid getting too much ahead of myself, but it is kind of exciting.
The cornerback position remains a question opposite Tramaine Brock. This depth chart just reinforces what Jim Tomsula said about the group. Given the young depth at the position, and really at several positions on defense, I find myself wondering how much rotation we will see from these groups. The 49ers have talked frequently about cross-training the players, and the versatility could allow them to stay fresh and avoid wearing down late in games.
QB: Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert
RB: Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush, Jarryd Hayne, Mike Davis
FB: Bruce Miller
WR: Torrey Smith, DeAndrew White
WR: Anquan Boldin, Quinton Patton OR Bruce Ellington
LT: Joe Staley
LG: Alex Boone, Ian Silberman
C: Marcus Martin, Nick Easton
RG: Jordan Devey, Brandon Thomas
RT: Erik Pears, Trent Brown
TE: Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell
LDT: Glenn Dorsey, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Arik Armstead
NT: Ian Williams, Mike Purcell
RDT: Quinton Dial, Mike Purcell
OLB: Ahmad Brooks, Corey Lemonier
ILB: NaVorro Bowman, Shayne Skov
ILB: Michael Wilhoite, Nick Bellore
OLB: Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold
LCB: Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson
RCB: Kenneth Acker OR Keith Reaser, Shareece Wright
FS: Eric Reid, Jimmie Ward
SS: Antoine Bethea, Jaquiski Tartt, L.J. McCray
P: Bradley Pinion
K: Phil Dawson
H: Bradley Pinion
PR: Reggie Bush OR Jarryd Hayne OR Bruce Ellington
KR: Reggie Bush OR Jarryd Hayne OR Bruce Ellington
LS: Kyle Nelson