Predicting Winners of 49ers Biggest Position Battles

We know that Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel will be the two primary receivers in 2026. The WR3 spot seemed to be between rookie De'Zhaun Stribling and veteran Christian Kirk, but we have an update on that situation.

On the team's first depth chart, Demarcus Robinson was surprisingly listed as the third starter. Kirk has missed time with injury, which has seemingly pushed him down. As a result, it seems like Robinson and Stribling are the main contenders for the final starting job.

Stribling can't go one day without earning praise from somebody. The rookie will force his way onto the field, while Robinson settles into a complimentary role.

Winner: De'Zhaun Stribling

Left Guard: Robert Jones or Connor Colby?

The 49ers have had a three-way competition at left guard for much of the summer, with Robert Jones, Connor Colby, and Carver Willis battling. Willis has missed time, though, so it now seems like it's either Jones or Colby.

Both guys have been praised by the coaching staff, and both have had a nice number of first-team snaps. Colby seemingly has a slight lead, but Jones was listed as the starter on the depth chart.

Ultimately, I think Colby proves he's ready for the role while Jones is the primary backup on the interior.

Winner: Connor Colby

Safety: Malik Mustapha or Marques Sigle?

The safety spot next to Ji'Ayir Brown is one of the biggest questions remaining this summer. Neither Malik Mustapha nor Marques Sigle have stepped up and claimed the role yet this summer.

Mustapha has missed time, to be fair, which doesn't help. However, the 49ers still listed Mustapha ahead of Sigle on the depth chart. It's clear that Mustapha's ceiling is higher, but he has to be more consistent going forward.

For now, we'll lean towards Mustapha.

Winner: Malik Mustapha

Punter: Corliss Waitman or Jack Bouwmeester?

The battle for the punter job is probably the most wide-open of any we've talked about. The 49ers moved on from Thomas Morstead this offseason, while signing Waitman in free agency and adding Jack Bouwmeester after the draft.

Bouwmeester was one of the best punters in college football and he has a booming leg. Waitman is a serviceable veteran, but he's never been fantastic. Waitman doesn't have the distance that the rookie has, but he might be more consistent.

This race will come down to the wire. I think the rookie has the edge because his ceiling is potentially higher.

Winner: Jack Bouwmeester