The San Francisco 49ers "Faithful" fanbase has many reasons to head into the 2024 season with high hopes for the red and gold. For starters, a star-studded cast of All-Pros and Pro Bowlers remains largely intact from the team's Super Bowl LVIII run, including quarterback Brock Purdy who enjoyed his first healthy offseason since becoming the starter. Additionally, the 49ers braintrust added a lengthy list of free agents this offseason to revamp all three levels of the defense and selected a draft class that would bring depth at key positions such as offensive line, wide receiver and cornerback. Finally, while there were some coaching departures, the majority of the staff is set to return, and head coach Kyle Shanahan opted to promote from within for the defensive coordinator gig, elevating Nick Sorensen who spent the previous two seasons with the team.
Pro Football Focus' 2024 NFL roster rankings very much reflect the time, effort and resources spent by San Francisco's front office to keep the organization competitive in the upcoming season. In fact, PFF has named the 49ers roster the top-ranked roster in the league ahead of the start of training camp.
Below are some of the factors PFF analysts Jim Wyman and Dalton Wasserman highlight in the 49ers first place roster ranking.
Biggest strength in 2023: Offensive Playmakers
"San Francisco had three players who ranked inside the top two of their position in overall grade last season — Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. They also had Deebo Samuel Sr., who finished 12th among wide receivers in receiving grade. Simply put, the 49ers are still stacked with offensive weaponry."
X-Factor for 2024: Safety Talanoa Hufanga
"Hufanga suffered a season-ending injury in Week 11 last year, and the 49ers' defense wasn't quite the same thereafter. Through Week 11, they led the league in team defense grade. From Week 12 onward, they ranked 14th. Hufanga brings versatility and ball skills at safety and his recovery, along with Ji'Ayir Brown's development, will be welcomed at the position."
Rookie to Watch: OL Dominick Puni
"Third-round pick Dominick Puni is a versatile lineman who was a fine pass protector at guard and tackle for Kansas over the last two seasons. Puni finished 2023 with an elite 90.4 pass-blocking grade. He certainly won't play left tackle with Trent Williams still in tow, but he could help elsewhere early in his career."
