49ers offensive depth chart: From QBs galore to questions on the line
SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy got put on the spot in his first act as the 49ers’ latest quarterback, and he responded splendidly Saturday, shortly after being the final pick of the NFL Draft.
What does he know about the 49ers’ storied history of quarterbacks, past and present?
“Obviously they had one of the greatest in Joe Montana, and Steve Young. After that, I’m not so sure,” Purdy responded in a video conference call.
That sums up the 49ers’ plight the past two decades. After Young’s 1999 exit, the 49ers have started 18 different quarterbacks. Purdy is well aware of the last two, mind you.
“With Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo and what they did last year, and the years before with Jimmy G, I respect it so much and it’s honestly enjoyable watching him,” Purdy said. “How Jimmy operated in the system and was so decisive, I really respected that.
“With Trey Lance, he had a great career in college and he’s a guy coaches want to build around, I respect that, too. I want to go in and help that quarterback room with whatever they need me to do. I’m all for the team.”
Here is how the 49ers’ depth chart projects, unofficially, at all positions:
QUARTERBACK
Lance
Sudfeld
Purdy
Garoppolo (injured)
Analysis: Garoppolo is coming off shoulder surgery and surely will be limited once camp opens in three months, if he’s even still on the roster. Come Week 1, look for Lance to assume the starting role, with Nate Sudfeld to earn $2 million as the backup, and Purdy learning the NFL ropes on the practice squad.
RUNNING BACK
Elijah Mitchell
Jeff Wilson Jr.
Trey Sermon
Ty Davis-Price
JaMycal Hasty
Analysis: Davis-Price’s third-round arrival invites fierce competition for backup spots behind Mitchell, last year’s rushing leader as a rookie.
FULLBACK
Kyle Juszczyk
Josh Hokit
Analysis: Juszczyk is coming for his seventh straight Pro Bowl berth, while Hokit has developed into a promising pro.
WIDE RECEIVER
Deebo Samuel
Brandon Aiyuk
Jauan Jennings
Danny Gray
Ray-Ray McCloud
Marcus Johnson
Malik Turner
KeeSean Johnson
Connor Wedington
Austin Mack
Analysis: Assuming Samuel lands a contract extension and happily returns for his fourth seasons, this unit should be much improved, especially with the development of Aiyuk and Jennings, along with additions of Gray as a deep threat and McCloud as a slot option/returner.
TIGHT END
George Kittle
Charlie Woerner
Ross Dwelley
Jordan Matthews
Tanner Hudson
Analysis: Same unit as last season, and perhaps Matthews challenges more for a roster spot after last year’s conversion from tight end.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Trent Williams (LT)
Aaron Banks (LG)
Alex Mack (C)
Daniel Brunskill (RG)
Mike McGlinchey (RT)
Colton McKivitz
Jaylon Moore
Jake Brendel
Justin Skule
Spencer Burford
Nick Zakelj
Keaton Sutherland
Alfredo Gutierrez
Analysis: Mack’s potential retirement would prompt the 49ers to sign a free agent such as J.C. Tretter or Trey Hopkins, otherwise Brendel, Brunskill and McKivitz could vie for it, when they and the rookies aren’t competing with Banks for Laken Tomlinson’s vacated spot at left guard. McGlinchey’s return from quadriceps repair is encouraging, and any line with Williams anchoring the left side is de facto among the NFL’s elite.