The 49ers were just over six minutes away from a Super Bowl victory in February, but the Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points in the final 6:13 of the game to defeat the 49ers. The 49ers look to replicate their success this season and raise the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year.
This offseason, the 49ers made it a priority to keep their top talent on defense, and that meant dealing a big piece on defense as well. Let’s look at the 49ers additions and departures this offseason.
Key Additions: OT Trent Williams, G Tom Compton, DE Dion Jordan, and TE Jordan Reed
Key Departures: WR Emmanuel Sanders, TE Levine Toilolo, OT Joe Staley, DT DeForest Buckner, DT Sheldon Day, and RB Matt Breida
Now, let’s dive into the starters for the reigning NFC Champions this season.
Offensive Starters:
- QB: Jimmy Garoppolo
- RB: Raheem Mostert
- WR: Kendrick Bourne
- WR: Brandon Aiyuk
- WR: Trent Taylor
- TE: George Kittle
- LT: Trent Williams
- LG: Laken Tomlinson
- C: Weston Richburg
- RG: Daniel Brunskill
- RT: Mike McGlinchey
Defensive/Special Teams Starters:
- LDE: Nick Bosa
- DT: D.J. Jones
- DT: Javon Kinlaw
- RDE: Arik Armstead
- LOLB: Kwon Alexander
- MLB: Fred Warner
- ROLB: Dre Greenlaw
- CB: Richard Sherman
- CB: Emmanuel Moseley
- FS: Jimmie Ward
- SS: Jaquiski Tartt
- K: Robbie Gould
- P: Mitch Wishnowsky
Strongest Position: Defensive End
The 49ers have two beasts on the outside of the defensive line. Nick Bosa became a star in his rookie year, recording nine sacks and 25 QB Hits. Bosa was set to have another huge year as one of the leaders on the defensive line before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. This offseason, the 49ers re-signed DL Arik Armstead. He is being moved to mainly an outside position this year. Last season, Armstead set career-highs in sacks (10), tackles (54), and QB Hits (18).
Weakest Position: Wide Receiver
The 49ers have been hit with injuries to the wide receiver position so far. Deebo Samuel suffered a Jones Fracture in his foot and is on Injured Reserve, missing the first three games of the season at least. First-round draft pick, Brandon Aiyuk, is questionable for Week 1 with a hamstring injury that he has battled throughout training camp. The 49ers signed Travis Benjamin and Tavon Austin this offseason, but Benjamin opted out of the season and Tavon Austin is on Injured Reserve. The 49ers pass attack is going to be heavily relied on tight end, George Kittle. The 49ers wide receivers production is going to be low with the injuries the position as a whole.
This year, the 49ers are going to take step back. When I say that, I mean they will not win the NFC West. The 49ers have too many injuries that are going to hurt them throughout the course of the season and the loss of DeForest Buckner and Emmanuel Sanders are going to have their own consequences as well. I believe the 49ers are still a playoff team and will make a Wild Card spot, but there reign at the top of the division will end after one season.
