The San Francisco 49ers’ roster turnover has resulted in extensive opportunities for young players, and we have seen the team lead the NFL in rookie snaps this season. The 49ers are still looking for more cornerstone pieces, but ten weeks into the season, they are finding starters and depth options amongst their young players.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Mike Sando put together a list of the top 25 NFL players under the age of 25. His list, along with 25 who “just missed” did not include anybody on the 49ers. That’s not entirely shocking, although 23-year old DeForest Buckner is worth some consideration. Although he regularly gets into the offensive backfield, he does not have huge counting stats, and he plays for a bad football team. That’s not exactly a recipe for recognition.
I’ve put together a list of the 49ers players under the age of 25, broken down by age. I listed players on the 53-man roster, on IR, and on the practice squad. The 49ers have a chance to have quite a few of those players starting when the 2018 season arrives. Through ten weeks, 14 players on this list have started a game. That includes punter Bradley Pinion, slot receiver/punt returner Trent Taylor, and offensive lineman Erik Magnuson.
From the injured reserve group, Arik Armstead will be competing for a starting spot next season, Joshua Garnett could take over one of the guard jobs, and Joe Williams is at least on the radar to compete for some kind of opportunity. If John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan can put together another strong draft class next spring, the youth movement could take some significant steps forward.
21
LB Elijah Lee
RB Jeremy McNichols (PS)
DL Solomon Thomas
22
WR Victor Bolden, Jr.
WR Kendrick Bourne
RB Matt Breida
DT D.J. Jones
QB Nick Mullens (PS)
DL Noble Nwachukwu (PS)
CB Ahkello Witherspoon
23
DT DeForest Buckner
WR Aaron Burbridge (IR)
ILB Reuben Foster
OG Joshua Garnett (IR)
LB Jimmie Gilbert (IR)
OLB Eli Harold
TE Cole Hikutini (IR)
S Chanceller James (IR)
OL Andrew Lauderdale (PS)
CB Greg Mabin
OL Erik Magnuson
OT Pace Murphy (PS)
P Bradley Pinion
DB Tyvis Powell (PS)
LB Pita Taumoepenu
WR Trent Taylor
TE Cole Wick (PS)
24
DL Arik Armstead (IR)
QB C.J. Beathard
DT Ronald Blair
OT Trent Brown
WR DeAndre Carter (PS)
S Adrian Colbert
OL JP Flynn (PS IR)
CB Prince Charles Iworah (IR)
TE George Kittle
DE Aaron Lynch
LB Donavin Newsom (IR)
OT Darrell Williams
RB Joe Williams (IR)