







window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-5', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 5', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-10', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 10', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-15', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 15', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-20', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 20', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-25', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 25', target_type: 'mix' });









window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-30', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 30', target_type: 'mix' });







window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-c', container: 'taboola-interstitial-gallery-thumbnails-33', placement: 'Interstitial Gallery Thumbnails 33', target_type: 'mix' });



















































Photo: Paul Sakuma / Associated Press Image 1 of / 34 Caption Close Image 2 of 34 Colin Kaepernick — Kaepernick is likely to stay as the main backup in his second year in the system. He's tall and has a ridiculously strong arm. Colin Kaepernick — Kaepernick is likely to stay as the main backup in his second year in the system. He's tall and has a ridiculously strong arm. Photo: Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle Image 3 of 34 Josh Johnson (left) — New addition Johnson has a strong arm as well, but he's also only 6-0 and 190. Nevertheless, this battle for the backup roles should be one of the most intense of camp. Josh Johnson (left) — New addition Johnson has a strong arm as well, but he's also only 6-0 and 190. Nevertheless, this battle for the backup roles should be one of the most intense of camp. Photo: Paul Sakuma / Associated Press Image 4 of 34 WIDE RECEIVERS: Randy Moss — If Moss survives training camp without incident, he'll start. WIDE RECEIVERS: Randy Moss — If Moss survives training camp without incident, he'll start. Photo: Paul Sakuma / Associated Press Image 5 of 34 Image 6 of 34 Michael Crabtree — Even though Crabtree vanished in the playoffs, he finished the season with 72 receptions. He'll start. Michael Crabtree — Even though Crabtree vanished in the playoffs, he finished the season with 72 receptions. He'll start. Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Image 7 of 34 Mario Manningham — The NFL vet is a solid pickup and could end up challenging Crabtree and Moss for a starting spot. Mario Manningham — The NFL vet is a solid pickup and could end up challenging Crabtree and Moss for a starting spot. Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Image 8 of 34 Kyle Williams — In spite of some fans' pleas at the end of last season, Williams won't go anywhere. He's a tough, quick slot receiver. Kyle Williams — In spite of some fans' pleas at the end of last season, Williams won't go anywhere. He's a tough, quick slot receiver. Photo: Paul Sakuma / Associated Press Image 9 of 34 Chris Owusu — Stanford product Owusu only has an outside shot of seeing the field. He's unlikely to win a backup spot. Chris Owusu — Stanford product Owusu only has an outside shot of seeing the field. He's unlikely to win a backup spot. Photo: Lance Iversen / The Chronicle Image 10 of 34 Image 11 of 34 RUNNING BACKS: Frank Gore — The undisputed king of the 49ers backfield. RUNNING BACKS: Frank Gore — The undisputed king of the 49ers backfield. Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle Image 12 of 34 LaMichael James — Coach Jim Harbaugh said the team could keep as many as six or even seven running backs. Expect to see James in the mix. LaMichael James — Coach Jim Harbaugh said the team could keep as many as six or even seven running backs. Expect to see James in the mix. Photo: Don Ryan / Associated Press Image 13 of 34 Bruce Miller — Other than rookie free agent Cameron Bell, Bruce Miller is the only true fullback on the roster. Bruce Miller — Other than rookie free agent Cameron Bell, Bruce Miller is the only true fullback on the roster. Photo: Duane Burleson / AP Image 14 of 34 Rock Cartwright — Cartwright could make the team as a special teams player. Rock Cartwright — Cartwright could make the team as a special teams player. Photo: Gerald Herbert / AP Image 15 of 34 Image 16 of 34 TIGHT ENDS: Vernon Davis — Davis is one of the best tight ends in the country, and he could make a fine candidate for president as evinced by this photo (He's speaking at a fundraiser for President Obama, by the way). less TIGHT ENDS: Vernon Davis — Davis is one of the best tight ends in the country, and he could make a fine candidate for president as evinced by this photo (He's speaking at a fundraiser for President Obama, ... more Photo: Lance Iversen / The Chronicle Image 17 of 34 Konrad Reuland — The team doesn't really need a blocking tight end. For that reason Reuland, who catches everything, could beat out Nate Byham as the third tight end. Reuland can also rap in German, which is always a plus. less Konrad Reuland — The team doesn't really need a blocking tight end. For that reason Reuland, who catches everything, could beat out Nate Byham as the third tight end. Reuland can also rap in German, which is ... more Photo: David Gonzales / David Gonzales Image 18 of 34 OFFENSIVE LINE: Joe Looney — The rookie out of Wake Forest with the amazing hair could be on track to be a future center. OFFENSIVE LINE: Joe Looney — The rookie out of Wake Forest with the amazing hair could be on track to be a future center. Photo: Handout / Handout Image 19 of 34 Joe Staley — The fan favorite is a stalwart on the offensive line. Joe Staley — The fan favorite is a stalwart on the offensive line. Photo: Kat Wade Image 20 of 34 Image 21 of 34 LINEBACKERS: Cam Johnson — This rookie out of Virginia could be the surprise of the draft. LINEBACKERS: Cam Johnson — This rookie out of Virginia could be the surprise of the draft. Photo: John Sebastian Russo / Special to the Chronicle Image 22 of 34 Ahmad Brooks — Brooks is in the best shape of his life and could get double-digit sacks next year. Ahmad Brooks — Brooks is in the best shape of his life and could get double-digit sacks next year. Photo: Paul Sakuma / Associated Press Image 23 of 34 Parys Haralson — He'll be a solid backup. Parys Haralson — He'll be a solid backup. Photo: Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle Image 24 of 34 Tavares Gooden — Special teams denizen Gooden will be hard to unseat. Tavares Gooden — Special teams denizen Gooden will be hard to unseat. Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Image 25 of 34 Image 26 of 34 DEFENSIVE LINE: Demarcus Dobbs — This group is wide open with last year's backups DeMarcus Dobbs and Ian Williams getting a challenge from a host of rookie free agents. DEFENSIVE LINE: Demarcus Dobbs — This group is wide open with last year's backups DeMarcus Dobbs and Ian Williams getting a challenge from a host of rookie free agents. Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle Image 27 of 34 Isaac Sopoaga & Justin Smith — The 49ers might have the best front seven in the game and it starts with these two, seen here catching their breath after running wind sprints. Isaac Sopoaga & Justin Smith — The 49ers might have the best front seven in the game and it starts with these two, seen here catching their breath after running wind sprints. Photo: Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Image 28 of 34 Ricky Jean Francois — An incredible backup: He would be a starter on most defenses in the league. Ricky Jean Francois — An incredible backup: He would be a starter on most defenses in the league. Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Image 29 of 34 SECONDARY: Perrish Cox — If Perrish Cox has his head together, he could be a talent as a cover man and a returner. The battle for the fourth safety spot and the fifth cornerback position will be a free for all. less SECONDARY: Perrish Cox — If Perrish Cox has his head together, he could be a talent as a cover man and a returner. The battle for the fourth safety spot and the fifth cornerback position will be a free ... more Photo: JOHN LEYBA / DP Image 30 of 34 Image 31 of 34 Tramaine Brock — The team is high on Brock (seen here walking back to the dressing room after soaking in ice with his teammates). Tramaine Brock — The team is high on Brock (seen here walking back to the dressing room after soaking in ice with his teammates). Photo: Lacy Atkins / The Chronicle Image 32 of 34 SPECIAL TEAMS: Andy Lee (P) — This guy is a lock. SPECIAL TEAMS: Andy Lee (P) — This guy is a lock. Photo: GLYN KIRK / AFP/Getty Images Image 33 of 34 David Akers (K) — So is this guy. David Akers (K) — So is this guy. Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Image 34 of 34 Who will make the 49ers' 2012 roster? 1 / 34 Back to Gallery

We’re months away from the start of the season, but the battle for starting spots is already heating up for the 49ers. We’ve outlined who we think will start, back-up or not make the cut below. As always, leave your thoughts in the comments.

QUARTERBACKS

Starter: Alex Smith

Back-ups: Colin Kaepernick, Josh Johnson

Currently, there are four quarterbacks on the roster, including Scott Tolzien. While Tolzien is smart, capable and dedicated, he might not have the physical tools to hang with the other three. Kaepernick is likely to stay as the main backup in his second year in the system. He also has the tall stature and a ridiculously strong arm. While Smith’s renovation of his mechanics has gotten plenty of attention, Kaepernick is undergoing his own makeover which includes speeding up his long delivery. Johnson has a strong arm as well and he’s Kaepernick’s equal as a running quarterback. But he’s also only 6-0 and 190 and looks like he’s more like 180. Nevertheless, this battle for the backup roles should be one of the most intense of camp.

Prediction: Smith, Kaepernick and Johnson stay





RUNNING BACKS

Starters: Frank Gore, Bruce Miller

Back-ups: Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Brandon Jacobs, Anthony Dixon, Rock Cartwright, Jewel Hampton

Coach Jim Harbaugh said the team could keep as many as six or even seven running backs. Gore will retain his role as the starter and main option, but the next running back up will be a pitched battle between Hunter, James, Jacobs and Dixon. It’s unlikely the team will keep both Jacobs and Dixon, but one is likely to stay because this team still needs a big back. Dixon provides special teams capabilities which Jacobs does not possess. Cartwright could make the team as an exclusive special teams player. Other than rookie free agent Cameron Bell, Bruce Miller is the only true fullback on the roster. But that may not matter because the team has specialty fullbacks like Isaac Sopoaga and Will Tukuafu.

Prediction: Gore, Hunter, James, Jacobs, Miller and Cartwright





WIDE RECEIVERS

Starters: Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree

Backups: Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins, Ted Ginn Jr. Kyle Williams, Brett Swain, Nathan Palmer, Chris Owusu, Joe Hastings and Brian Tyms

A wide receiver-starved team last year is now stocked. The team could go with four because they have so many running backs, but with the enigmatic Moss on the team, six is more likely. If Moss survives training camp without incident, he’s on the team. Even though Crabtree vanished in the playoffs, he finished the season with 72 receptions. Manningham is a solid pro and will challenge for a starter’s job. Nobody cuts their first-round pick, but who knows how much Jenkins will contribute. Ginn Jr. proved to be invaluable as a return man last year and Williams is tough, quick slot receiver. Swain and the promising rookie free agent Nathan Palmer can only hope to put up enough preseason film to get another job elsewhere. They could also win a job on the practice squad.

Prediction: Moss, Crabtree, Manningham, Ginn Jr, and Jenkins





OFFENSIVE LINE

Starters: Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Jonathan Goodwin, Alex Boone and Anthony Davis

Backups: Daniel Kilgore, Mike Person, Joe Looney, Jason Slowly, Kenny Wiggins, Derek Hall, Al Netter, David Gonzales and Garrett Chisolm

Four of the five starters are entrenched with the 49ers hoping the 6-8 Boone can convert from tackle to guard. Kilgore is a lock and is adding center to his guard responsibilities. With Boone going inside, the 49ers are short on tackles, which means Mike Person is likely to make it. Looney could also be groomed as a center. The 49ers will probably only keep eight, but there are plenty of promising players here who could land on the practice squad including seventh-round pick Jason Slowey and rookie free agent Garrett Chisolm.

Prediction: The starting five plus Kilgore, Person and Looney





TIGHT ENDS

Starter: Vernon Davis

Backups: Delanie Walker, Nate Byham, Garrett Celek and Konrad Reuland

Davis and Walker are among the best tight-end tandems in the league. Their blocking is underrated, particularly Walker, who has greatly improved in that area. Because of that, the team doesn’t really need a blocking tight end, and when they do, they just put in an extra linemen. For that reason, Reuland, who catches everything, could beat out Byham as the third tight end. Reuland can also rap in German, which is always a plus.

Prediction: Davis, Walker and Reuland





DEFENSIVE LINE

Starters: Ray McDonald, Isaac Sopoaga, Justin Smith

Backups: Ricky Jean Francois, DeMarcus Dobbs, Will Tukuafu, Ian Williams, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Matthew Masifilo, Patrick Butrym

The 49ers might have the best front seven in the game and it starts with this group. Ricky Jean Francois would be a starter on most defenses and he can play anywhere along the line. The rest of the group is wide open with last year’s backups DeMarcus Dobbs and Ian Williams getting a challenge from a host of rookie free agents.

Prediction: McDonald, Sopoaga, Smith, Jean Francois, Dobbs and Williams





LINEBACKERS

Starters: Ahmad Brooks, NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith

Backups: Parys Haralson, Larry Grant, Tavares Gooden, Cam Johnson, Kourtnei Brown, Eric Bakhtiari and Michael Wilhoite

This starting group could find itself in the Pro Bowl. Aldon Smith had 14 sacks and contended for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, Willis is a stupendous tackler, and Bowman is not far behind. Brooks is in the best shape of his life and could get double-digit sacks next year. Haralson and Grant are solid backups and special teams denizen Gooden will be hard to unseat. Johnson could be the surprise of their draft.

Prediction: The starters plus Haralson, Grant, Johnson and Gooden





SECONDARY

Starters: Carlos Rogers, Donte Whitner, Dashon Goldson, Tarell Brown

Backups: Chris Culliver, C.J. Spillman, Tramaine Brock, Perrish Cox, Colin Jones, Curtis Holcomb, Trenton Robinson, Michael Thomas, Deante Purvis, Cory Nelms, Mark LeGree and Anthony Mosely

Possibly the upset of the 49ers’ offseason was the fact Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers re-signed. But he might not be the best cornerback on the team, with the quick-rising Brown developing nicely. Goldson and Whitner are a dynamic tandem at safety and C.J. Spillman is also a player. Culliver showed well last year as a rookie and could make a big step this season. The team is also high on Brock and Holcomb, who is a seventh-rounder from last year, and could challenge for a spot. If Perrish Cox has his head together, he could be a talent as a cover man and a returner. The battle for the fourth safety spot and the fifth cornerback position will be a free for all.

Prediction: Rogers, Whitner, Goldson, Brown, Spillman, Robinson, Culliver, Cox and Brock





SPECIAL TEAMS

Starters: K David Akers, P Andy Lee, LS Brian Jennings

Yes, there are free agents challenging, but no one will unseat this Pro Bowl trio.