© Stan Szeto | 2019 Jul 27
SANTA CLARA – There are now just three days before the 49ers play some semblance of an actual football game. On August 10, the 49ers will face the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium, although there will be no Jimmy Garoppolo. Head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear from the start of training camp that Garoppolo would not be involved in the first preseason game, but confirmed that Garoppolo would play in the second and third preseason games.
Ahead of that first game, the 49ers released their first unofficial depth chart (compiled by their communications staff), which featured a few interesting notes (although it’s worth repeating that these are unofficial and come before a single preseason game has been played).
Probably the most noteworthy point is that C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens are listed effectively as equals. On offense the other position of interest is at wide receiver, while on defense there are a number of noteworthy items.
Full #49ers unofficial depth chart for 1st preseason game v. Dallas pic.twitter.com/bH2GjB58Bp
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) August 7, 2019
Richie James Jr. is listed ahead of Jalen Hurd, with Kendrick Bourne, who Shanahan praised on Tuesday as having a “hell of a camp,” is listed just behind Dante Pettis. Deebo Samuel is in a third slot with Jordan Matthews.
As far as the defense goes, Nick Bosa is understandably listed behind Dee Ford (to be expected at this stage in camp) but he’ll likely start over Armstead if his progress continues and he remains healthy. The linebacker spots are fairly straightforward, with Dre Greenlaw the de facto starter at weakside linebacker with Kwon Alexander still continuing his recovery (he’ll challenge Malcolm Smith for that starting spot at the strongside, don’t be surprised if he wins the starting job after the season begins).
At free safety, while Adrian Colbert is listed at the No. 1 slot, Jimmie Ward will likely take back his starting spot when he’s healthy. It more realistically reflects the battle between Colbert, who has struggled mightily in deep coverage (a necessary component of being an effective free safety), and Tarvarius Moore, who’s slotted back at his more natural position, and while still learning, has looked good.
Jason Verrett is listed behind Ahkello Witherspoon for the second starting corner spot, not necessarily a surprise given that Verrett is still being ramped up and Witherspoon has had a very good camp.
The last real position of note is at returner, where Richie James Jr. is listed as the starting kick returner; he could potentially be a seventh wide receiver snuck on the team in a special teams role. Trent Taylor is currently listed as the lead punt returner, with Dante Pettis and James Jr. behind him.