Predicting Roles for Each San Francisco 49ers Rookie

With the 2015 NFL draft wrapped up, it saddens me to say we're headed toward the dull part of the football season. Before we dive into the tedious stories of voluntary camps and the like, let's take a moment to focus on this rookie class.

Yes, the 49ers didn't have a flashy draft, but general manager Trent Baalke found some gems. Like any draft, we'll have to wait a few years before we can truly evaluate this group of rookies. 

For now, here's a look at the projected roles for the 49ers' 2015 rookie class.

Round 1: Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon

As many predicted, the 49ers made Arik Armstead their first=round selection at No. 17. Armstead was a fitting start for Baalke and Co., as the 49ers' draft followed a certain theme this year. 

This draft wasn't about finding plug-and-play prospects to help this year; rather the 49ers have their eye toward the future. 

In a few years, Armstead will prove to be a great pick. At 6'7'', he has the necessary football IQ as well as all the physical tools to become an imposing 4- or 5-technique in the 49ers' 3-4 scheme. 

He just won't show all this in 2015.  

Some believe he has a chance to start, but I just can't see the rookie leapfrogging either Tank Carradine or Tony Jerod-Eddie. If Justin Smith decides to return for another season, Armstead's chances plummet even further. 

Of course, I could have it all wrong. Armstead might surprise the coaching staff and look mature beyond his years. We'll see how Armstead picks up defensive coordinator Eric Mangini's complex playbook.

For now, I say the rookie will have trouble cracking the rotation. 

Role: Backup and special teamer

Round 2: Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford

As fun as it is to say his first name, the selection of Jaquiski Tartt in the second round was a head-scratcher to most 49ers fans. Heck, it was a head-cratcher to Tartt, who thought the 49ers would pass on him because of the presence of Eric Reid and Antonie Bethea at safety.

Of course, Baalke marches to the beat of his own drum, but this selection screamed reach. 

Look, Tartt could very well turn into some version of Kam Chancellor in a few years, but you have to wonder if he'll see the field at all this year. Tartt will contribute on special teams, but unless Reid or Bethea gets hurt, his playing time on defense will be very limited.

In all honesty, if Bethea or Reid misses time, Jimmie Ward would serve as the better replacement. Side note: Tartt and Ward are best buddies, which should make for an interesting story if competition arises between the two in the future.

Regardless, I feel like Tartt is strictly a box safety. If Bethea goes down, Tartt serves as a nice complement to Reid in the back end. However, if Reid misses any time, Tartt would struggle as the center fielder in this defense. 

A corner or receiver would have made more sense with the second-round selection. This is coming from a man who loved Tartt in the pre-draft process, but I never imagined the 49ers would be in play for his services. 

He won't have much of an impact this season, but Tartt could very well develop into the best safety of this class. 

Role: Backup strong safety and special teamer 

Round 3: Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia

For the record, I just want to say I love this pick by the 49ers' front office. Eli Harold has steal written all over him after falling to the third round of this draft. 

Praise aside, the 49ers really don't need another OLB. With Aaron Lynch, Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks and Cory Lemonier already in the fold, Harold will have to really stand out in training camp to crack this rotation. 

Again, this pick follows a 49ers theme.

Now, Baalke probably didn't anticipate Harold would fall to the third round. Harold had a late first-round or early second-round grade with most draft pundits; nevertheless, there were impact players at other positions available for selection. 

Baalke choose to ignore need and focus on value. If the 49ers had focused on addressing their needs with the first two selections, the Harold pick would look even better. 

Unfortunately, 49ers fans will likely have to wait a few years, barring injuries, for Harold to make a substantial impact on the field. 

Role: Third string and special teamer

Round 4: Mike Davis (RB), DeAndre Smelter (WR), Blake Bell (TE)

Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina: 

Trent Baalke found the perfect Carlos Hyde complement/fill-in with Mike Davis in the fourth round. History suggested that the 49ers would draft a running back. It's not a secret, but Baalke has selected a running back in every single draft since taking over as 49ers general manager.

Davis has the all-around talent, but I wonder what role he'll play in this backfield. He's already joining a crowded rotation with Reggie Bush, Kendall Hunter, Jarryd Hayne and Hyde in the fold.

Outside of Hyde, there isn't anyone on the roster who can handle goal-line carries. Maybe the 49ers will keep Hyde fresh and use Davis as their designated goal-line back. At 217 pounds, Davis's north-south style should be a good fit in goal-line packages. 

Role: Goal-line back and special teamer

DeAndre Smelter, WR, Georgia Tech: 

We all knew this was coming. Baalke loves drafting injured players he can redshirt for a year, though I'm not sure the 49ers can afford this practice with the current roster. 

It made sense two years ago when the 49ers had one of the best rosters in football. 

Complaints aside, I like what Smelter can bring to the table if healthy. Smelter may not contribute this year, but if he recovers from his injury, the 49ers may have found Anquan Boldin's eventual replacement.  

Before any of that occurs, let's see if Smelter can fully recover from the ACL tear he suffered last December. 

Role: Redshirt (sit out entire rookie season)

Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma: 

This was an interesting selection by Baalke. I love that Bell is ascending at the tight end position after making the switch from quarterback. You don't want guys who have already maxed out their potential. 

It also doesn't hurt that the 49ers can use him as an emergency quarterback, which saves them a roster spot. 

The 49ers will likely keep three tight ends, so major competition should ensue for the backup positions behind Vernon Davis. 

Role: Backup TE and emergency quarterback 

Round 5: Bradley Pinion, P, Clemson

Richard Shiro/Associated Press

As the NFL Network's Rich Eisen would say, "Punters are people too." 

I'm not sure what to make of this selection. Was this selection made to motivate Andy Lee? Or does Baalke actually believe a rookie will overtake an All-Pro punter?

In all fairness, Baalke does point out that this is still Lee's job. Pinon will have a tough time usurping Lee this season, but don't be surprised if the All-Pro punter is on the chopping block after 2015. Teams are always looking for ways to trim payroll, and special teams is usually the first place to start. 

For now, Pinion likely becomes a practice-squad addition. 

Role: Practice squad

Round 6: Ian Silberman, OL, Boston College

This was a perplexing pickup in the sixth round. Of course, no one tends to care about late-round additions, but I thought the 49ers missed a chance to add some much-needed depth at tackle. As of right now, the 49ers have no true backup to either Anthony Davis or Joe Staley.

In the event of an injury to either Staley or Davis, the 49ers can move Alex Boone from guard to tackle, though I'm not sure why the 49ers would want to move their best interior lineman outside, especially after losing a Pro Bowl guard in Mike Iupati in the offseason.

With Silberman, the 49ers will likely have to move him inside to guard. I just don't believe he has the foot speed to play tackle at the NFL level.

It's obvious the 49ers are valuing versatility over numbers, which somewhat makes sense if they're trying to save roster spots.

Ultimately it will come down to the health of the starting unit. If the main guys up front can stay healthy, this shouldn't be that much of an issue.

Regardless, I think Silberman won't make the final cut.

Role: Practice squad

Round 7: Trenton Brown (OL), Rory Anderson (TE)

Trenton Brown, OL, Florida: 

Brown has a relatively high ceiling, but he's likely a guard at the next level. The 49ers are set at guard, so playing time will be at a minimum. Taking a true swing tackle would have been more beneficial for this season. 

If Brown does make the roster, he can be useful in situational downs. The 49ers have struggled at times in goal-line situations, so his addition could help in this area.  

Unfortunately, the 49ers have little roster room for a project. Count Brown as a practice-squad addition. 

Role: Practice squad

Rory Anderson, TE, South Carolina:

I love this selection. Anderson gives the 49ers a big vertical threat who can split defenses down the seam. Anderson should have gone much earlier than the seventh round. 

Teams were probably scared away due to his injury history. If he can stay healthy, this could prove to be a huge steal for the 49ers. 

Outside of injury concerns, I wonder how Anderson will fit in this tight end rotation. Davis will return as the starter, but after him, the position is pretty much wide open.  

I'm sure Baalke is rooting for Vance McDonald to live up to his potential, but that might be a lost cause at this point. McDonald is a solid blocker, but he hasn't turned into the receiving threat the team had hoped for coming out of Rice.

If this will be a true competition, I can see the 49ers rolling out with Davis and the two rookies in Bell and Anderson as versatile backups. It's not likely, but who knows what will happen. 

For now, I say practice squad, but don't be surprised if Anderson beats the odds and makes the 53-man roster. 

Role: Practice squad