49ers roster: Insanely early 53-man roster projection for 2023

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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 15: Charvarius Ward #7 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

49ers Cornerbacks (6)

CB Charvarius Ward

CB Deommodore Lenoir

CB Isaiah Oliver

CB Sam Womack

CB Qwantrezz Knight

Rookie cornerback

To my mind, the starting cornerback roles are actually pretty well set: the outside corners will be Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir with free-agent signing Isaiah Oliver stepping in to take over as the starting nickel corner.

Sam Womack sticks around as the immediate backup to Oliver, although he has shown some ability to play outside as well in spite of his size.

The notable missing name here is Ambry Thomas, who never really recovered from the slip in performance that led to Lenoir taking over last season when Emmanuel Moseley went down with his ACL injury. Qwantrezz Knight takes over Thomas’ spot, with a rookie stepping in as well.

It’s always possible that Thomas has a great camp and forces his way onto the roster, but his recent form, and the massive draft haul the 49ers have, suggest that someone will be on his way out during roster cuts.

49ers Safeties (4)

FS Tashaun Gipson

SS Talanoa Hufanga

S George Odum

S Myles Hartsfield

With the return of Tashaun Gipson and the departure of longtime 49er Jimmie Ward, the starting safety group is pretty well solidified at this point. Gipson will start next to 2022 All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga, who will look to build upon his breakout sophomore season.

Behind them is special teams ace George Odum and, at least for now, incoming free agent Myles Hartsfield, who Steve Wilkes likes enough to bring the former Panther with him from Carolina.

And while Odum feels pretty well entrenched, the question will be whether a rookie can displace Hartsfield on this roster. Gipson is only back on a one-year deal, so the 49ers may look to find a long-term answer to the starting free safety position with one of their three third-round picks, which could spell bad news for Hartsfield.

Beyond that, any other players, be they rookies or veterans, could be looking for a chance at the practice squad at best.