The San Francisco 49ers made quite a few additions across the board this offseason, starting off with a quality free agency class before making eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The goal was to add depth to a roster that relied on a ton of young talent in 2025 due to injuries, especially at wide receiver and on the defensive line. Overall, the 49ers are now looking like one of the more complete teams in the NFL.
So, with the roster set up heading into minicamp, what are the strongest and weakest
position groups on the roster?
Strongest
3. Defensive Line
This part is a bit on projection, as well as injury returns. But the 49ers’ defensive line is positioned to look far better in 2026 than it did in 2025.
San Francisco dealt with several injuries in the room last year, including long-term ones to Nick Bosa (ACL), Mykel Williams (ACL), and Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring). Defensive tackle was also a weaker spot, as the 49ers were relying primarily on inexperienced players, with rookies Alfred Collins and C.J. West stepping into bigger roles.
This year, San Francisco should have Bosa and Williams back by Week 1, which will improve both the team’s pass rush and run defense. The 49ers were 32nd in sacks last season, as they really didn’t have much production from their rotational pieces.
But that should improve with the duo back, while San Francisco added Osa Odighizuwa at defensive tackle and speedy edge rusher Romello Height off the edge.
This room still has depth with a lot of the players from last year’s group back for another season, such as Sam Okuayinonu, Collins, West, and Kalia Davis, among others. So, they come in at No. 3, mainly in part of the top talent and overall depth.
2. Quarterback
The 49ers quarterback room proved to have two quality starting-caliber options last year, as Mac Jones did a strong job in relief of Brock Purdy after the latter suffered a toe injury.
Purdy will lead the room, but Jones is back to be his backup, setting up a strong quarterback room for the 49ers. San Francisco will continue to hope for development from Purdy, who has taken steps over the past few years en route to earning a massive contract extension last offseason.
But the depth and starting talent make this one of the stronger rooms on the roster.
1. Linebacker
The linebacker group got stronger this offseason with the addition of Dre Greenlaw, who slots into the starting role next to star Fred Warner.
Warner will be back from injury, so he and Greenlaw should make for one of the better tandems in the NFL. But the depth is also quite good in the room to the point that the team felt comfortable trading Dee Winters. Luke Gifford is a solid special teamer. Tatum Bethune stepped up into a bigger role last year before his injury. And there’s still former third-rounder Nick Martin available.
Weakest
3. Wide Receiver
This might be an interesting look, but the wide receiver group comes in at No. 3 (excluding special teams).
San Francisco added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, which should be a big boost to the room, but there are huge injury concerns with this group. Evans struggled to stay healthy last year and is on the wrong side of 30. Ricky Pearsall has failed to eclipse 600 yards in a season due to injuries, despite having the potential to do so. And Christian Kirk hasn’t played more than 13 games since 2022.
With the depth, Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins have struggled with injuries since being drafted. Demarcus Robinson disappointed last year and might be on the roster bubble. And it’s unclear how much De’Zhaun Stribling will contribute in Year 1.
This group has some of the most upside, but a lot of question marks as well.
2. Cornerback
This group produced mixed results last season as the secondary struggled.
Deommodore Lenoir had a solid year, but faced some inconsistency after getting his major five-year contract. Upton Stout might’ve been the best defensive player for parts of last year, but Renardo Green declined in Year 2.
The 49ers added Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs this offseason for depth, but this group is still one that needs a bounce back in 2026.
1. Safety
This group is looking similar to last year, as they have solid depth but no players who have cemented themselves as starters in the NFL.
Malik Mustapha was quite inconsistent after coming back from injury last year. Marques Sigle showed promise, but also probably needs some more development time. Ji’Ayir Brown hasn’t proven to be a starting-caliber player yet. And the 49ers didn’t add to the room.
