Will they make it to September? We have the verdict for each
Wednesday, the 49ers veterans return to training camp as the team begins their journey toward a Super Bowl victory. For the most part, the 49ers have a grasp on their starters on both sides of the ball, but finishing the 53-man roster will be a tougher challenge. For a roster as loaded as the 49ers, there will be talented football players who will not make the cut due to either the player situation or the numbers game. Opposing franchises will watch the 49ers cuts closely and poach those players as a testament to the organization’s track record for identifying talent regardless of draft capital.
The question is which players are “on the roster bubble,” and will they sneak onto the roster or ultimately move on as the team cuts bait?
Ambry Thomas
Thomas had a mini-resurgence in 2023 when inserted into the lineup against Jacksonville in Week 10. After playing 86 total snaps prior, Thomas played 46 snaps and had an on/off role leading to the Super Bowl, where Thomas only logged one snap in the big game.
Everyone remembers his playoff-clinching interception against the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, but speculation runs rampant about whether his roster spot is safe. The disappointment comes in on Thomas even being considered on the bubble after the 49ers invested a third-round pick in the Michigan cornerback. With the free-agent and draft additions to the secondary, Thomas has to prove his worth to this roster.
Verdict
Barring a catastrophic training camp, Thomas has a shot to make the 53 based on his experience and the overall need for coverage in the NFL. Thomas lands on the roster, but it’s not a sure bet.
Samuel Womack
Let’s stick with the secondary here. Womack did start in 2022 as the 49ers’ primary nickel cornerback but found himself contributing solely on special teams by season’s end. The third-year cornerback from Toledo faces stiff competition for his roster spot in 2024.
Womack has allowed 17 receptions on 23 attempts during his career. For what it is worth, in limited snaps, Womack registered seven defensive stops and registered an 85.3 tackling grade, according to PFF, which speaks to his tackling acumen.
Verdict
Womack is left on the outside looking in with the addition of Renardo Green, Malik Mustapha, and Isaac Yiadom. Perhaps Womack catches on somewhere else but ultimately is left off the 53-man roster due to the numbers game.
Cameron Latu
After a redshirt season, Latu aims to prove his value as a TE2 with a strong training camp. When asked about Latu taking over as the second tight end, Kyle Shanahan bluntly stated: No. There is a gap for Latu to rise up the depth chart; however, the 49ers have made several free-agent inquiries that would highlight their desire to bring in a reliable player.
It’s tough to give up on a player who hasn’t taken an NFL snap, but following a camp marred with drop concerns, a season-ending injury, and Brayden Willis playing meaningful snaps down the stretch, Latu has an uphill battle.
Verdict
Latu is either sent to the practice squad, if not released. The 49ers signed two tight ends in the off-season and Willis has a leg up in the off-season (with some hype from George Kittle).
Who do you believe is on the roster bubble, and who do you think should miss the cut in 2024? Let us know in the comments.
