Depth is a critical aspect of a successful NFL roster, and the 49ers have it in spades.
Theirs is one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, with the options the Niners have on defense and at the skill positions on offense critical to their recent playoff wins under Kyle Shanahan.
While the level of blue-chip talent on a team is often the difference-maker in wins and losses, key plays by role players also regularly have outsized impacts on make-or-break games. Think Jordan Willis’ blocked punt in the Divisional Round win over the Green Bay Packers last season.
The 49ers have gotten a plethora of such contributions in the Shanahan era and, as they look to make another run at the Super Bowl in Trey Lance’s first year as the starting quarterback, they will undoubtedly require more.
Who are the reserves San Francisco will likely need the most in 2022? Here we look at the Niners’ most important backups.