San Francisco 49ers: Predicting Their Depth Chart at Every Position for Next Season

November 13, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) is congratulated by defensive end Justin Smith (top, third from right) and inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) after Willis sacked New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (bottom) during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Giants 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line:

1. Justin Smith
2. Glenn Dorsey
3. Ray MacDonald

Smith is back for another two years. That is an invaluable factor for the 49ers. He is the catalyst for the defense.

McDonald is an underrated player on the defensive line. He doesn’t get a lot of sacks but he will get a good amount of pressure on the quarterback. Dorsey was brought in to replace Rickey Jean Francois. This is an upgrade at this position. Dorsey can play the nose tackle spot and play defensive end. He is one of the best against the run.

Tank Carradine was brought in to contribute to the pass rush. He was a big time player at Florida State. Ian Williams was also retained from the practice squad to bring some depth to the defensive tackle spot. Will Tukuafu and Demarcus Dobbs both can possibly make the team due to their versatility. Tukuafu can also play fullback and Dobbs can double as a tight end. Dobbs also plays special teams.

Linebackers:

1. Aldon Smith
2. Patrick Willis
3. Navorro Bowman
4. Ahmad Brooks

The 49ers’ linebackers are the best in the NFL. They make up a large part of the premier front seven in football. Bowman and Willis are two great pursuit players that will cover from sideline to sideline. Aldon Smith is one of the best pass rushers in the game as well. Many overlook the ability that Brooks has, but he was named a 2nd team All-Pro.

Parys Haralson will be returning from injury and is a starting type of player at outside linebacker. Cory Lemonier will be brought along as a featured pass rusher. He will need to work on his hands as a lot of lineman were able to get into his chest plate while he was in college. Working with Aldon Smith will help Lemonier a lot.

Nick Moody was selected to be the special teams ace but he will also backup the inside linebackers. Michael Wilhoite is a darkhorse to make the roster as a special teams contributor as well.

Safeties:

1. Donte Whitner
2. Eric Reid

Whitner and Reid will do their best to reenact the Lumber Company moniker that Whitner and Dashon Goldson earned last year.

Reid will win the job in training camp after competing with Craig Dahl. He is a rangy player that can bring the wood on running backs and receivers that come across his zone. Dahl will be a solid special teams guy. C.J. Spillman will continue to be a team captain and special teams player. He will probably fill in for Goldson as the up back on the punt team. The 49ers may carry four safeties just because of their special teams ability.

Cornerbacks:

1. Tarrell Brown
2. Carlos Rogers
3. (Nickel) Chris Culliver

Brown was the most consistent corner for the 49ers last year. He didn’t get a lot of interceptions but was a very solid player that got tested often. He is still able to be a very good cover corner.

In nickel situations, Culliver lines up outside while Rogers bumps inside to cover the slot. Rogers is the premier guy when it comes to covering the slot receivers.

Perrish Cox and Nnamdi Asoguhma are the wild cards at this position. Cox has the ability to cover the slot and brings value in the return game. He is also an option on the special teams coverage units.

Nnamdi is a mystery. Which player will show up this year? Will it be the lockdown man to man corner that played for the Oakland Raiders or will it be the lost player that had a big contract with the Philadelphia Eagles?

One thing is for sure, Ed Donatell and Vic Fangio will have Nnamdi in position to showcase his talent. Tremain Brock remains an option on special teams that could cause the 49ers to keep six defensive backs.

This 49ers team is stacked from top to bottom, so training camp will be a big competition.

There are some pretty good players such as Nnamdi that will be in a fight for their roster spot. Jim Harbaugh has always said that he wants competition at every position.

This year is an example of it. Brian Jennings has been the 49ers’ long snapper for quite some time now. He even made the Pro Bowl as a long snapper. Despite this, Harbaugh still brought in Kyle Nelson to compete with Jennings.

They say competition breeds success and the 2013 training camp will be a great example.