The San Francisco 49ers report for training camp on July 25, and with time ticking down, we’re back for our annual roster ranking feature. The past two years, we’ve put together a consensus ranking of the 49ers 90-man roster. It includes ranking from myself and other Niners Nation staff.
The San Francisco 49ers return to training camp in nine days, and that means it is time for what will hopefully continue to be a regular annual feature. A year ago, we put together a consensus ranking of the 49ers 90-man roster. It included rankings from myself and 12 of our writers. You can look at last year’s full rankings here.
This year, we’ve got 18 people voting. Since this is entirely subjective, I did not provide a specific framework for voting. I could have said “the best,” or “the most important,” or a whole host of other possible ideas. The Instead, I just told people to rank the 90-man roster heading into 2018. It’s not an exact science, but none of this is!
Thanks to Greg Valerio, Oscar Aparicio, Tracy Sandler, James Brady, Jennifer Chan, Pat Holloway, Steve Busichio, Scott Geelan, Mark Saltveit, TryAndCatchVD, Joe The Wizard, Scott Geelan, Josh Eccles, Josh Cootner, ak4niner, El Shorts, Alex Eisen, and Akash, Anavarathan.
I’ve included the high and low ranking for each player, and then also my own ranking. On to spots 31-40!
40. Tarvarius Moore, CB (High: 23, Low: 62, Fooch: 42)
The 49ers spent a third round pick on Moore, and are converting from his college safety role to cornerback. He stands 6’2, 200 pounds and seems to have the kind of size the 49ers are looking for from their cornerbacks. He impressed in the offseason workout program, and could be in line for a sizable role as a rookie off the bench.
39. Sheldon Day, DT (High: 21, Low: 63, Fooch: 31)
The 49ers claimed Day off waivers last November, and he developed into a solid rotational defensive tackle. DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Solomon Thomas will likely end up getting the most work on the defensive interior in passing situations, but I think Day ends up fourth among the defensive tackles in snaps.
38. Brock Coyle, LB (High: 29, Low: 59, Fooch: 37)
Coyle joined the 49ers a year ago on a one-year deal, and earned himself a three-year deal this offseason. He seemed like a special teams ace option, but injuries and NaVorro Bowman’s departure opened the door for opportunities at linebacker. He finished the year playing with a torn labrum, but is expected to be healthy in time for training camp. With Reuben Foster facing a two-game suspension to open the season, Coyle will look to beat out Fred Warner for an opportunity.
37. Ronald Blair, DL (High: 25, Low: 54, Fooch: 43)
The 49ers spent a fifth round pick on Blair in 2016, and he has developed into a versatile option. He missed the first half of last season on injured reserve, but played in six of the last eight games between defensive end and defensive tackle. The 49ers have depth along the line, but his ability to move inside and outside is a significant benefit.
36. C.J. Beathard, QB (High: 21, Low: 61, Fooch: 45)
Beathard did not put together world-beating performances five starts replacing Brian Hoyer, but he did enough to secure the backup job behind Jimmy Garoppolo. He is signed through the 2020 season and at this point, he is just looking to get comfortable as an emergency option if Garoppolo gets hurt. I imagine he’ll see plenty of playing time this preseason.
35. Bradley Pinion, P (High: 18, Low: 52, Fooch: 50)
Pinion has emerged as a consistent presence both as a punter and the team’s kickoff option. He is entering the final year of his contract, and I would not be surprised to see him get a new deal by the end of training camp.
34. Jonathan Cooper, OG (High: 22, Low: 69, Fooch: 22)
The 49ers signed Cooper in late March to compete at offensive guard. He had surgery on his MCL in January, and so he did not take part in on-field drills during the offseason workout program. He will enter training camp competing with Joshua Garnett, and potentially Mike Person as well for the guard position opposite Laken Tomlinson.
33. Kendrick Bourne, WR (High: 18, Low: 44, Fooch: 34)
Bourne joined the team as a UDFA last year, and did not really get a big chance to break out until after Pierre Garçon got hurt. He has impressed in the offseason workout program, drawing praise from Jimmy Garoppolo. There are a lot of mouths to feed among the 49ers pass catchers, but I suspect Bournes keep busy, even if he does not put up huge numbers.
32. Eli Harold, LB (High: 16, Low: 41, Fooch: 33)
Opinions most definitely vary when it comes to Harold. He is atop the SAM linebacker depth chart, but the former third round pick has been tough to figure out through his first three seasons. Pita Taumoepenu will look to give him a run for his money, but I think we see Harold hold down the SAM role for this final season of his contract. The bigger question is where he fits into the team’s edge rusher plans when they move into their sub packages.
31. Jeremiah Attaochu, Edge (High: 15, Low: 45, Fooch: 25)
The 49ers only outside addition to the pass rush this offseason was Attaochu. He was buried behind Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram with the Chargers, but he has a huge opportunity in front of him with the 49ers. He will compete with Cassius Marsh, Eli Harold, Pita Taumoepenu and others for rotational edge work. Given the 49ers lack of other investment, they are at least intrigued by his upside.