Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their first week of the preseason, losing 30-7 to the Denver Broncos on Saturday in a game where nearly every projected starter did not play.
Instead, injuries were a theme from the game, as the 49ers were hit at positions like wide receiver and running back, forcing them to reunite with a familiar face.
Now, they’re heading into Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, with a joint practice scheduled for Thursday, as they hope to get more players back in action with the season nearing closer and closer. Nonetheless, it seems like another week of many backups playing, which would give the 49ers another chance to look at some of their younger players.
The 49ers’ roster has been infused with young talent this offseason, with rookies like Mykel Williams, Upton Stout, and potentially even Marques Sigle pushing for Week 1 starting jobs. Other younger players, such as cornerback Renardo Green and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, are looking to make the next step in 2025 as they ascend into bigger roles.
Looking at the present and the future, where do the 49ers stand heading into 2025?
Earlier on Monday, ESPN’s Louis Riddick, Ben Solak, Seth Walder, and Aaron Schatz looked at every NFL team and ranked them by future power rankings, primarily looking at which teams will be among the league’s best over the next three seasons.
The 49ers were ranked No. 9, earning an 83.5 grade to land them in the ‘very good’ category. The biggest reason for their high ranking? The 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts, where San Francisco replenished its young talent.
“With a strong coaching staff and a track record of getting great play out of their rookie contract picks, the 49ers still have a rosy future despite the roster reload,” Solak wrote. “Just how good they are down the stretch will come down to these past two draft classes, from which many players have been thrust into starting roles.”
However, their biggest reason for concern in 2025 is one that was exacerbated this weekend: the wide receiver position.
“I was worried about the wide receivers room a year ago, and that continues to be the case, with Brandon Aiyuk coming off a torn ACL and roster turnover (Deebo Samuel now in Washington),” Riddick said. “But the defensive line, what was once the heartbeat of this team, has had to be rebuilt and restocked. Yes, they still have Nick Bosa, but he is surrounded by three rookie linemen. Coordinator Robert Saleh returns in 2025 to get these new/young prospects up to speed quickly and improve a defense that finished 29th in points allowed (25.6) in 2024.”
Looking at the wide receiver room, the 49ers will be without Brandon Aiyuk for likely one-third of the year, if not more. Head coach Kyle Shanahan pointed to Week 6 as a realistic return date for the star wideout, while noting the recovery can be fluid, giving a wider scope between Weeks 5-10 as...
