49ers post-minicamp 53-man roster predictions with depth chart
49ers Cornerbacks
CB1 Charvarius Ward
CB2 Deommodore Lenoir
NCB1 Isaiah Oliver
CB Samuel Womack
CB Darrell Luter
CB Ambry Thomas
The starting trio (because the nickel back position is very much a starting role in the modern NFL) seems fairly well locked in, although outside of Charvarius Ward, there's always a chance someone else could slide in and steal a job.
At this point, depth is harder because this is actually one of the 49ers' slimmer positions. That means backup roles for Samuel Womack, likely as direct support for Isaiah Oliver, and rookie Darrell Luter, who has shown flashes during offseason activities.
It also means, for now, that embattled third year man Ambry Thomas keeps a spot, although it is hanging by a very thin thread heading into training camp. He'll have to show he can be trusted, otherwise, somone like Qwuantrezz Knight could slide in and take that depth role.
49ers Safeties
SS Talanoa Hufanga
FS Tashaun Gipson
S Ji'Ayir Brown
S George Odum
In a rare occurrence for this 2023 roster, there's really only one solid starter here: Talanoa Hufanga coming off an All-Pro season in 2022.
The likeliest outcome is that Tashaun Gipson retains his starting role opposite Hufanga, but rookie Ji'Ayir Brown made so much noise during OTAs and minicamp that the question of whether he can supplant Gipson not only at some point during the season but at its outset is being bandied about.
Brown is making the team either way, but if he does win the starting job, that could open up another roster spot, as Gipson isn't likely to want to stick around and play special teams at this point in his career. For now, Gipson remains the starter, but it is something to watch.
If he's gone, a guy like Myles Hartsfield could benefit from that roster spot. Hartsfield played for 49ers' defensive coordinator Steve Wilks last year in Carolina and does offer some versatility. If, say, Thomas struggles, there's a chance they keep Hartsfield as a backup cornerback/safety option.
The fourth spot is a given. Former special teams All-Pro George Odum remains one of the league's best while still having the ability to slot in at either safety spot in a pinch.