Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Projecting 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69, left) and outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) celebrate during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers are going through a youth movement in 2016, and fans will see a large group of new faces wearing red and gold this season. Niner Noise takes an early look at what the team’s 53-man roster may look like this year.

49ers winning
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) is congratulated after kicking the game-winning field goal during overtime against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers have 53 regular-season roster spots up for grabs in the upcoming 2016 NFL season.

That number will have to be trimmed down from the current 90-man roster teams are allowed to have during offseason activities. The first wave of cuts — down to 75 players — takes place shortly after the third week of the preseason. The fourth, and final, cut will formulate the 53-man roster in advance of Week 1 of the regular season.

San Francisco’s 90-man roster my experience some changes between now and the start of the preseason. But that shouldn’t prevent us from taking another early look at what the 49ers roster may look like in the upcoming season.

Some positions, in all reality, aren’t up for grabs. Barring injury or other unforeseen circumstances (knock on wood), no one is going to usurp Pro Bowl linebacker NaVorro Bowman in 2016. And wide receiver Torrey Smith is the bona fide No. 1 option at his respective position.

But a number of slots are up for grabs.

With this in mind, let’s take a position-by-position look at how the 49ers roster could come together this season. We won’t dive into the practice squad or try to figure out which players might be inactive each and every week. Rather, let’s focus on how each position may come together as the regular season draws closer.

Note: Projected starters in base offenses/defenses will be listed in bold. Rookies will be italicized.

Next: Special Teams