Let’s talk about the 49ers: 53 sometimes funny one-liners on the team’s 52-man roster

The 49ers’ first 53, er, 52-man roster was made official Saturday (the team is keeping one spot for linebacker Fred Warner, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week). A position-by-position breakdown can be found here.

Here are one-liners on each player to make the cut, including Warner. We’ll go in alphabetical order, because why not?

Brandon Aiyuk, WR: The 49ers draft a receiver every year, yet none looked as smooth as this year’s No. 25 pick in the early going. He was a hamstring tweak away from being San Francisco’s clear-cut second wideout heading into Week 1. He still could, if he returns to practice next week.

Azeez Al-Shaair, LB: Was impressive enough to contribute as an undrafted rookie last year, though he looked hampered by a torn ACL the previous season at Florida Atlantic. He’s healthier now and could see significant snaps if Warner has to miss time.

Kwon Alexander, LB: A torn ACL, a torn pectoral and a biceps injury that required surgery. Regardless, Alexander played well during training camp. And, if you haven’t heard, he enjoys saying the word “legendary.”

Arik Armstead, DL: Good on the Elk Grove native for speaking up against important social justice issues during his news conferences to date. So far, he’s hit on racial injustice and education reform. On the field, he’ll have to prove he wasn’t a one-hit wonder in his contract season.

C.J. Beathard, QB: He’s overcome immense tragedy and endeared himself to the coaching staff through his toughness and work ethic. He’s also one of the more revered members of the locker room despite struggling on the field.

Nick Bosa, DE: He might look a touch leaner (or maybe that’s because he was pitted against the mammoth Trent Williams during practice) but Bosa is stronger. He has Defensive Player of the Year-type expectations.

Kendrick Bourne, WR: The class clown is always dancing and having a good time. But he’ll be focused knowing he has a pay day coming next spring if he continues to make big catches.

Daniel Brunskill, OL: One of the best stories during the 49ers’ Super Bowl run is back, this time having won the starting spot at right guard instead of having to play all over the place as a backup.

Tevin Coleman, RB: Came close to opting out of the season due to health concerns. Instead, he’s hoping to maintain his role as one third of the team’s quick-footed running back trio.

Tom Compton, OL: He took a pay cut hours before final cuts. A related note: He lost the starting right guard job to Brunskill.

Ross Dwelley, TE: The Oak Ridge High School alum is a smooth pass catcher and played well in spurts last season. But snaps might be hard to come by with Jordan Reed in the mix.

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, LB: The former safety has athleticism and length needed to defend against the pass. He’s might have been the most unexpected player to make the roster, unless you read a certain 53-man roster projection from last week.

Dee Ford, DE: He had offseason knee surgery to play more in 2020. But then he had calf irritation in training camp. It’s hard to imagine the 49ers’ imposing pass rush living up to last season’s standard without a healthy year from Ford.

Ben Garland, C: He’s the team’s second choice at center behind Weston Richburg, but he’ll likely be forced into the starting lineup for at least the first six games until Richburg returns, which means he’ll be the guy blocking Aaron Donald and Fletcher Cox when the Rams and Eagles come to town.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB: Never heard of him.

Kevin Givens, DL: The plucky former member of the practice squad has improved to the point where the team was comfortable letting Sheldon Day leave for Indianapolis. He had a strong camp, but he also received most of his practice reps against the 49ers’ lackluster backups.

Robbie Gould, K: Gould last season made 16 of 17 field goals from December on, once he was healthy and had Kyle Nelson back as long snapper. He should be equally good this year. Otherwise the 49ers might feel silly about his $5.1 million price tag, the 12th-largest cap figure on the team.

Dre Greenlaw, LB: Hard to beat Greenlaw’s rookie season as a former fifth-round pick. He played at a high level and made one of the plays of the year in Week 17. But he was a hero long before that.

Marcell Harris, SS: Struggled replacing Jaquiski Tartt late in the season, but well thought of by the coaching staff. He beat out Johnathan Cyprien for a roster spot despite having 62 fewer starts in his career.

Kerry Hyder, DE: He runs kind of funny, but defensive line coach Kris Kocurek loves him with a capital heart emoji. He’ll be a prominent backup behind Bosa and Ford.

Richie James Jr., WR/KR: James didn’t muff a punt all season. Until the Super Bowl. Emblematic of that entire evening in early February.

D.J. Jones, DT: Jones looks more bowling ball than pass rusher, but don’t be surprised he churns out a career year and lines himself up for a nice pay day next spring, whether it’s worth the 49ers or someone else.

Kyle Juszczyk, FB: Somehow a contract that paid him like a middle-of-the-road tight end had some analysts apoplectic about the 49ers cashing out a fullback. Hindsight is 20-20, but also proves the 49ers were right.

Javon Kinlaw, DT: The 49ers have to get more from Kinlaw than they did during training camp. It was tough sledding for the giant defensive tackle. He’ll be used primarily as a run defender while the team hopes he adds pass rushing skills in 2021 and beyond.

George Kittle, TE: Kittle’s on his way to becoming one of the most beloved players of his generation for his rough-and-tumble style and infectious personality. But did you know he’s become an avid yogi? He has his big sister to thank.

Mike McGlinchey, RT: His speaking style waffles between politician and future television analyst. Either way, the 49ers are hoping he can parlay his strong finish to 2019 toward becoming one of the best right tackles in the league.

Jerick McKinnon, RB: His teammates call him Jet because he’s fast (get it?). Others would call him a great comeback story if he plays like he did during training camp after missing the last two seasons with knee issues.

Colton McKivitz, OL: One pre-draft scouting report called the rookie a “bonafide dirt dog.” The other dirt dogs must be jealous.

Tarvarius Moore, S: The 49ers’ fastest defensive player might see his playing time increase this year while the team gets creative on third down. He has starter-level ability.

Emmanuel Moseley, CB: He’s quiet, fearless and competitive, all traits which helped him overcome not having Richard Sherman’s long arms or Ahkello Witherspoon’s athleticism to win a starting job.

Raheem Mostert, RB: From also-ran running back to playoff legend. The former surf bum is looking to leave his stamp on 2020 by becoming one of the league’s rushing leaders. The team’s top back is still looking to make his first career start.

Nick Mullens, QB: We’re still not positive he beat out Beathard for the backup quarterback job. It’s likely, but we don’t know for sure. Thank the lack of preseason games for that.

Kyle Nelson, LS: At some point there will be something interesting to write about Nelson but we’re still searching.

Mark Nzeocha, LB: The German-born special teams standout made it again. Remember when he had an interception and blocked punt in last season’s opener? It happened, I promise.

Dante Pettis, WR: The embattled wideout had a psychological breakthrough this offseason and appears in much better form this year. Does that mean he’ll be active Week 1? It does not.

Jordan Reed, TE: At one point Reed was the third-highest-paid tight end in the league and a Pro Bowler. If he gets back to that form, watch out.

Deebo Samuel, WR: He set a franchise rookie record for total yards from scrimmage for a receiver. Jerry Rice was once a 49ers rookie receiver.

Richard Sherman, CB: Not many corners play at All-Pro levels early in their 30s. But Sherman is not like many corners. We’ll see how he responds to the Super Bowl.

Justin Skule, OT: Anyone who said they expected Skule to keep Myles Garrett sack-less in the October game against Cleveland last year would have been insane. But that’s what Skule did. Now he’s the swing tackle.

Kentavius Street, DL: He’s big, strong and explosive. But even better news for San Francisco, he’s healthy, and could offer some juice on the inside as a pass rusher if his camp was any indication of what’s to come.

Jaquiski Tartt, SS: Quietly an excellent player. But the volume is up on his durability concerns, which could be why the looming free agent hasn’t been offered a new contract.

Trent Taylor, WR: It’s both lazy and hilarious to point out how good a fit he is under position coach Wes Welker. The two are both, um, small slot receivers.

Solomon Thomas, DL: Thomas added some 15 pounds of muscle this offseason to play exclusive inside for the first time in his career. If it works out, he could get a decent second contract somewhere. If not, he’ll go down as one of the worst draft picks in team history, taken seven spots ahead of Patrick Mahomes while the 49ers had no franchise quarterback.

Laken Tomlinson, LG: Might be the best player who doesn’t get talked about on the team’s loaded roster.

Jason Verrett, CB: He’s played in five games since 2015 because of a slew of significant injuries. But he’s respected enough by the personnel department for the team to feel good about its depth at corner.

Jimmie Ward, S: Might finally make a name for himself nationally if he adds turnovers to his solid tackling and coverage.

Fred Warner, LB: He’s not actually on the 53-man roster because he’s on the COVID-19 list so we’ll take this opportunity to wish him all the best. He’ll be the guy taking the 53rd roster spot once he’s removed from the list.

K’Waun Williams, CB: Is the guy who everyone calls underrated still underrated? He’s made enough plays to earn the designation of “good.”

Trent Williams, LT: Don’t be surprised if Williams ends up being the team’s best offensive player not wearing No. 85.

Jeff Wilson Jr., RB: Held off JaMycal Hasty for a roster spot and could solidify himself as a short-yardage option, if he’s up on game days.

Mitch Wishnowsky, P: A minor tragedy of this horrendous year was not getting to watch Wishnowsky tackle people during the preseason.

Ahkello Witherspoon, CB: Plays like an All-Pro at times, like early last season, and then plays himself off the field late in the year. The 49ers are as purplexed as you are.

Charlie Woerner, TE: An athletic blocking tight end with very little college production in the passing game. Is that George Kittle’s music?