If things go according to the San Francisco 49ers’ plan next season, not one of their 10 draft picks, let alone any of the nine undrafted rookie free agents they have signed, will contribute significantly next season.
Wait, what?
This is actually by design.
Sure, the Niners would like it if Arik Armstead or Bradley Pinion or even Busta Anderson made a game-winning play, but general manager Trent Baalke drafted for the future rather than for immediate need.
That’s how much Baalke likes the roster he is handing over to rookie coach Jim Tomsula.
“There’s some guys here I think might [contribute immediately],” Tomsula said. “But I don’t want to say that they will.”
It shows, then, on our second way-too-early depth chart for the Niners offense. The assignment was to go two-deep at every position and, thus far, not a single rookie is represented.
Then again, who should be on the list a week after the draft?
Is Mike Davis going to upend Reggie Bush or Kendall Hunter to be Carlos Hyde’s backup at running back?
Can Blake Bell become Vernon Davis’ backup at tight end?
Maybe Dylan Thompson supplants Blaine Gabbert as Colin Kaepenrick’s backup?
The second way-too-early offensive depth chart can be found here.