First 2023 49ers Unofficial Depth Chart Breakdown

The first 2023 San Francisco 49ers unofficial depth chart has been released. Of course, a lot of this will change by the time the regular season begins, but it is still interesting to take a look. This was also sent out by the 49ers communications staff, not the coaching staff. While some positions may be predictable, there are still a lot of interesting aspects. Here is a breakdown of the first 2023 49ers unofficial depth chart ahead of their week one preseason game.

49ers Unofficial Depth Chart: Offense

The major positions to take note of will be the quarterback and the tight end positions. There is no need to explain why the quarterback position will be important to monitor, but there are questions about which tight ends are the most likely to make the final roster. The order of players will be listed in the order they are in on the first 2023 49ers unofficial depth chart. While it will change, here are some things to note.

Quarterback

Brock Purdy; Trey Lance -OR- Sam Darnold; Brandon Allen

The first takeaway is of course that Brock Purdy is the first quarterback on the 49ers unofficial depth chart. This was fairly predictable. Head coach Kyle Shanahan did say he would be getting all the first-team reps since returning from his injuries. This is great for the young quarterback.

The next takeaway? Easy, Lance and Darnold both being placed second with an “or” next to their names. It is clear the 49ers are keeping the competition going for the second-string quarterback. The two have been splitting second-team reps throughout training camp. This will definitely be a competition to watch for throughout the preseason.

Fullback

Kyle Juszczyk; Jack Colletto

Definitely, not too much to talk about here. Juszczyk being the first on the depth chart in this position was never a question. He is easily the best fullback in the league, and the 49ers utilize him every game.

Running Back

Christian McCaffrey; Elijah Mitchell; Tyrion Davis-Price; Jordan Mason; Jeremy McNichols; Khalan Laborn

Of course, McCaffrey was the first running back on the 49ers’ unofficial depth chart. Mitchell being second is something to continue to watch for. He is still dealing with injuries, and while he is a great player when on the field, he has to actually be on the field playing. The hope truly is for him to play, but it is still something to watch for throughout the preseason and even the first couple of regular season weeks.

Something else to note is that Davis-Price and Mason were listed equally. Davis-Price and Mason are both strong running backs and have been competing to move up on the depth chart. Mason went into the 2022 season lower than Davis-Price, but due to an injury to Davis-Price early in the season, Mason was able to get more chances. Those two competing is great for the team, giving this team numerous players to get the ball to.

Wide Receiver

Deebo Samuel; Jauan Jennings; Chris Conley; Willie Snead IV; Tay Martin

Brandon Aiyuk; Ray-Ray McCloud III; Danny Gray; Ronnie Bell; Dazz Newsome; Isaiah Winstead

The 49ers’ unofficial depth chart was not surprising when it came to the wide receivers. The most important thing to watch for is how the depth is eventually cut down. The two players to watch for are Gray and Bell. Both will likely make the 53-man roster, but how they are moved around the depth chart will be something to watch. The other players on the 49ers’ unofficial depth chart can also use the preseason to step up.

Offensive Line

LT: Trent Williams; Jaylon Moore; Ilm Manning

LG: Aaron Banks; Nick Zakelj; Jason Poe;

C: Jake Brendel; Keith Ismael; Corey Luciano

RG: Spencer Burford; Jon Feliciano; Joey Fisher

RT: Colton McKivitz; Matt Pryor; Leroy Watson IV; Alfredo Gutierrez

This is another position where nothing was too surprising to see. The contracts for Brendel and McKivitz did indicate that they would be the expected starter. Zakelj made the roster in 2022 but was always a healthy scratch. While the hope is starters remain healthy, maybe this season he can begin to make the game-day active list. Feliciano being placed at left guard is also important to note, as he can also play center. While this was put out by the team’s PR team, it is still worth noting.

Tight End

George Kittle; Charlie Woerner; Ross Dwelley; Cameron Latu; Troy Fumagalli; Brayden Willis

This is another position that, as of now, is not surprising but is definitely worth monitoring. Kittle and Woerner will be expected to be on the field every game day as long as they are healthy. Dwelley is projected to be the third guy out there, but the rookies should be monitored. Willis is listed pretty low, as he was a late draft pick, but as they participate in the preseason, he could prove that he can compete.

49ers Unofficial Depth Chart: Defense

There are a couple of major notes on the first 2023 49ers unofficial depth chart when it comes to the defense. The first is that Nick Bosa is not listed. The team has him on the Reserve/Did Not Report List, so he will not be listed until there is a contract extension. Also not listed is Darrell Luter Jr., who was placed on the PUP list. There are also two defensive players who were placed on the injured reserve, which are Darryl Johnson and Terrance Mitchell. Here is the 49ers unofficial depth chart for the defense.

Defensive Line

LDE: Drake Jackson; Alex Barrett; Austin Bryant; Daelin Hayes

LDT: Arik Armstead; Kevin Givens; T.Y. McGill; Kalia Davis

RDT: Javon Hargrave; Javon Kinlaw; Marlon Davidson; Spencer Waege

RDE: Clelin Ferrell; Kerry Hyder Jr.; Robert Beal Jr.; Taco Charlton

As noted, Nick Bosa was not listed on the first 2023 49ers unofficial depth chart. Hopefully, he signs a new contract soon and can take his spot in the next released depth chart. Without Bosa, Ferrell is listed in his position. The defensive end was signed in free agency this year and was in the same draft class as Bosa. He has had a decent training camp and definitely will be put in the rotation.

Jackson being placed on the left side is also crucial to note. This was projected by most fans, but now one step closer to being true. Jackson has been putting in a lot of work this offseason, and it has evidently been paying off in training camp. Jackson could very well have a breakout season, which will be exciting to watch.

Linebackers

SAM: Oren Burks; Curtis Robinson; Kyahva Tezino

MIKE: Fred Warner; Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles; Jalen Graham

WILL: Dre Greenlaw; Marcelino McCrary-Ball; Dee Winters

The most notable aspect of the linebackers is that Burks could become the starter this season. Of the returning players, he was likely to get the spot, but some expected McCrary-Ball would step up. This could definitely still be a preseason battle. Burks has started games for the 49ers before, which definitely gives him the edge.

Cornerbacks

LCB: Charvarius Ward; Ambry Thomas; D’Shawn Jamison; Anthony Averett

RCB: Deommodore Lenoir; Samuel Womack III; Tre Swilling

NB: Isaiah Oliver; A.J. Parker; Qwuantrezz Knight

The cornerbacks on the 49ers unofficial depth chart are pretty similar to the 2022 season. The only difference is Oliver being the nickelback for the season. San Francisco acquired Oliver in free agency, and while he was expected to compete for this spot, he proved himself quickly. Oliver is still a young player, and under defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, he can definitely step up big-time for this team.

Safety

FS: Tashaun Gipson Sr.; Ji’Ayir Brown; Tayler Hawkins

SS: Talanoa Hufanga; George Odum; Myles Hartsfield

The 49ers were able to retain both of their starting safeties from 2022. This is big news for the 49ers’ defense. Rookie Ji’Ayir Brown made it pretty high on the first 49ers unofficial depth chart, but as expected, Gipson will still be the starter. Despite his age, Gipson definitely proved himself last year and is worthy of the spot. The plan still looks as though the team wants Hufanga and Brown to be a dynamic dual for years to come. It will be exciting to watch how well the safeties are produced in 2022.

49ers Unofficial Depth Chart: Special Teams

The only position to really look at is the kicker. There was a very notable way that the team listed the two players that are competing. Most of these positions do not need to be broken down, but one definitely does. The 2023 49ers unofficial depth chart did show one position will come down to a preseason competition.

Punter

Mitch Wishnowsky

Kicker (Holder)

Jake Moody -OR- Zane Gonzalez (Mitch Wishnowsky)

Similarly to the quarterback position, the kickers were listed with an “or” next to their name. Moody is the likely starter, but throughout the preseason, the team can see how each player does on the field during a game.

Punt Returner/Kick-Off Returner

Ray-Ray McCloud III; Willie Snead IV; Ronnie Bell; D’Shawn Jamison

Long Snapper

Taybor Pepper

This is just the first 49ers unofficial depth chart. Anything can happen by the time the next one is released. The first preseason game will be this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. While the 49ers tend to not play their starters in the first preseason game, there is a lot of depth for this team to narrow down.