Things have been slow for the 49ers. My most recent piece was looking at the offensive side of the ball and predicting who would end up on the 49ers 53-man roster at the time final cuts are made. If you want to read that bit, check it out here. Today (after a bit of a break, it's the offseason after all) I take a look at the defensive side of the ball.
Italics denotes a player who is officially of another position but is listed for depth chart purposes as backing up another position.
Defensive Ends: (5) Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, Ray McDonald, Kentwan Balmer, Demetric Evans
Smith, Isaac Sopoaga, McDonald and Balmer are all locks for the active roster. McDonald sees significant playing time being rotated in, and the 49ers like to keep players fresh. With that in mind, I will say that they once again keep seven defensive lineman (read ahead for the defensive tackles).
The debating point is Demetric Evans. Most fans like to think that Evans won't be around next season, but the fact of the matter is he plays a lot like the other players in the line, is a reliable veteran, doesn't cost very much at all and is reportedly great in the locker room. The team likes players who are similar, to rotate in the mix, as well.
Nose Tackles: (2) Aubrayo Franklin, Ricky Jean-Francois
Aubrayo Franklin has yet to sign his franchise tender as he wants a long-term contract in place, regardless of this, however, he'll be on the field with the 49ers in 2010, and he'll be the starter. With Franklin's absence at OTAs, Jean-Francois has been getting a lot of looks at nose tackle. Jean-Francois doesn't fit the mold physically, but the team likes them a bit smaller anyway. He'll have plenty of time to bulk up, and plenty to learn from Franklin once he returns to team workouts.
Left Outside Linebackers: (2) Manny Lawson, Ahmad Brooks, Travis LaBoy
Lawson, like Franklin, hasn't been at the team's organized team activities, and doesn't project to report until it's mandatory to do so. Lawson is also unhappy with his contract and wants a long-term deal in place. This absence has given Brooks time to learn how to be a starter in the league and is now the primary backup at the left and right sides. LaBoy is a dependable veteran who wants to prove himself.
Inside Linebackers: (4) Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Navorro Bowman, Scot McKillop
Veteran Matt Wilhelm will look for a roster spot, and might be able to get it if Bowman doesn't show enough progress in training camp as a viable backup option. Willis just received a 5-year contract extension, Spikes looks to continue to be productive, and McKillop is turning into a very reliable special teams player.
Right Outside Linebackers: (2) Parys Haralson, Ahmad Brooks
Parys Haralson is more well-rounded than Brooks at the moment, but if he struggles just a little bit, he'll be surpassed by Brooks on the depth chart. Refer to the bubble list for another candidate for this position.
Left Cornerbacks: (2) Nate Clements, Tarell Brown, Philip Adams
Say what you want about Clements and his status as being an overpaid player, but the CB Position was one that went largely ignored in the draft. Clements is the clear starter, Brown is the clear backup, and my pick to make the roster is Phillip Adams. Some might think Stoudamire, but read about the bubble prospects for him.
Right Cornerbacks: (2) Shawntae Spencer, Will James
It's between James and Paymah, but I don't think it's really a competition at all. In every game situation, James has shown he's the better player. Spencer was the best cornerback on the roster in 2009.
Nickel Cornerbacks: (1) Tarell Brown, Will James, Philip Adams
Brown will be the starting nickel corner when the team reverts into... well, the nickel formation. He's a young guy battling to get into the starting left or right spot, he doesn't care which.
Free Safeties: (2) Dashon Goldson, Reggie Smith
Curtis Taylor is the odd-man out and is practice squaded. Goldson is another player currently unhappy with his contract, but, like Lawson and Franklin, will undoubtedly see the field in 2010 and be starters. Smith has made some big strides, especially on special teams, and could even be mixed in as a cornerback or strong safety on certain downs.
Strong Safeties: (2) Michael Lewis, Taylor Mays
Mays won't start right away, but he'll get playing time. Lewis is a reliable veteran who will do well in teaching Mays how to take his job. There are no doubts about this position going into 2010 as far as the 53-man roster is concerned.
On The Bubble On Defense
CB Patrick Stoudamire - Stoudamire is a fan-favorite to make the roster as the final cornerback. My reason for going with Adams is that I think the feeling is that the team likes him more. They scouted both these players, and while both were on the board, picked Adams. Stoudamire has looked good in practice, but has looked less athletically gifted than Adams. Still, he does have talent, and won't go down without a fight.
LB Diyral Briggs - Briggs is a player who has a definite shot at making the roster, and probably has the best shot of these players to actually do so. The coaching staff is said to be very impressed and excited about him as a pass-rushing specialist. The preseason will be his time to shine. The Niners are coached by a linebacker, with a defensive coordinator who loves collecting lineman and linebackers. Briggs has a shot.
LB Matt Wilhelm - If the team is afraid of the youth in their linebacking backups, Wilhelm, who played well in a reserve role last season, will get the nod, but not to replace any of the four inside linebackers listed.
CB Karl Paymah - Paymah is battling with Will James for the primary right cornerback backup role, as well as other defensive backfield backup roles. He has his work cut out for him though, as James is coming off his best season of his veteran career.