The San Francisco 49ers have released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2024 season.

As always, we have to issue the reminder that this version of the depth chart is compiled by the 49ers' communications staff. It's far from the final say of the coaching staff.

However, it gives us something to work with and we can have some fun with the hypotheticals within it.

Here are some of our takeaways from the initial depth chart ahead of the 49ers' preseason opener:

Brandon Aiyuk is on it

This doesn't really mean much from a contractual standpoint, but he's there in the starting wide receiver spot across from Deebo Samuel.

Trent Williams is not on it

Technically Williams isn't on the 90-man roster because he's on the reserve/did not report list. Since he hasn't reported, he won't be on the depth chart. However, his absence and Jaylon Moore sitting in the starting left tackle spot underscores how important Williams is to the 49ers offense.

Dominick Puni hasn't climbed yet

Puni is listed as the No. 3 right guard on the depth chart. It's hard to imagine that's the case in reality. With Spencer Burford and Jon Feliciano injured, Puni took a hold of the starting RG job and hasn't let it go. Burford is still out, but Feliciano is working largely with the second-team offense. Despite the depth chart, Puni appears to be the starting RG heading into the first preseason game.

A rookie CB's path to the roster

The 49ers have put rookie cornerback Renardo Green outside of his comfort zone. After spending his entire college career playing outside corner, San Francisco has asked him to move inside. He's listed as the No. 2 nickel CB behind Deommodore Lenoir. In fact, he's the only other nickel listed behind Lenoir. Green has a chance to secure a starting nickel CB job if the team determines having him in the slot with Lenoir and Charvarius Ward outside is their best CB trio.

Don't sleep on RB Cody Schrader

Schrader was one of the 49ers undrafted rookies this year. He's stuffed way in the back of the depth chart with recently-added Ke'Shawn Vaughn. His performance in camp indicates he's probably further up the list than that. Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason figure to headline the 49ers' RB depth chart. If they keep a fourth, Schrader may be the most likely candidate.

Backup QB competition

The 49ers aren't listing one backup quarterback. Instead of committing to Brandon Allen or Josh Dobbs as the QB2, they listed them both in that spot. That's actually probably where the 49ers coaching staff lands despite the unofficial nature of the depth chart. Dobbs is getting more comfortable in San Francisco's offense and the battle for the backup QB job is on.

No 2nd-year LBs starting

It's not a surprise that Fred Warner and De'Vondre Campbell are listed as starters at the Mike and Will linebacker spots, respectively. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles getting the starting Sam LB spot is interesting with second-year LBs Dee Winters and Jalen Graham drawing praise from defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. Winters is listed as the backup WLB. Graham is listed as the backup SLB. They both figure to at least push for the starting Sam job throughout the preseason.

Ronnie Bell's path

Bell has had a few impressive days as a receiver in camp. That may not be enough to get him on the roster. He'll need to contribute on special teams to justify being one of the 53 players on the team after cuts. The depth chart has him listed as the starting kick returner and backup punt returner. A surefire way for Bell to get on the team is to be their best option in the return game. He should get plenty of opportunities to prove himself there in the preseason.

Trent Taylor's path

Taylor is in a very similar spot to Bell. He'll have to make it via special teams first, but contributions in the passing game will help his cause. Taylor hasn't done much as a receiver since leaving the 49ers after the 2020 season. He's flashed a couple times in training camp though which opens the door on his chances to make the roster.

A logjam at TE

The 49ers made an intriguing addition in the offseason when they signed free agent TE Logan Thomas. An injury has forced him to miss a sizable chunk of training camp. It also has him on the back of the TE depth chart. Behind George Kittle in the TE2 spot are Eric Saubert and second-year TE Brayden Willis. Then it's Cameron Latu and Jake Tonges behind them. Thomas is alongside undrafted rookie Mason Pline. It looked going into camp like Thomas was a shoo-in No. 2 TE. Now it looks like there's a real battle brewing for snaps alongside Kittle.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Takeaways from 49ers first unofficial depth chart of 2024