The San Francisco 49ers have built one of the league's most experienced rosters, for better or worse.
San Francisco has the NFL's second-oldest roster and, unfortunately, doesn't have much young talent from recent drafts. That approach shows up in ESPN's latest ranking of NFL teams' under-25 talent, where the 49ers checked in at No. 27. The rankings weigh starts and snaps from players under 25, age-adjusted quality of play with extra credit for Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods, contract value and length, positional importance, recent draft capital, projected 2026 depth charts and injury availability.
While drafting is an issue as well, the biggest reason for the 49ers' ranking is injuries, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
Injuries led to playing time for a lot of the youth in San Francisco last season, as six different players currently under 25 started at least six games.
Edge rusher Mykel Williams, the 49ers' only blue chip on the list, turned 22 in June after a rookie season as a first-round pick. He missed most of the year with an ACL injury, though. Beyond him, the under-25 contributors are largely late-round or middle-round finds forced into duty by attrition: safeties Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle, nickelback Upton Stout and defensive tackle Alfred Collins are all 24, while left guard hopefuls Connor Colby (23) and Carver Willis (24) will compete in camp.
#round #injuries #players
San Francisco has the NFL's second-oldest roster and, unfortunately, doesn't have much young talent from recent drafts. That approach shows up in ESPN's latest ranking of NFL teams' under-25 talent, where the 49ers checked in at No. 27. The rankings weigh starts and snaps from players under 25, age-adjusted quality of play with extra credit for Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods, contract value and length, positional importance, recent draft capital, projected 2026 depth charts and injury availability.
While drafting is an issue as well, the biggest reason for the 49ers' ranking is injuries, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
Injuries led to playing time for a lot of the youth in San Francisco last season, as six different players currently under 25 started at least six games.
Edge rusher Mykel Williams, the 49ers' only blue chip on the list, turned 22 in June after a rookie season as a first-round pick. He missed most of the year with an ACL injury, though. Beyond him, the under-25 contributors are largely late-round or middle-round finds forced into duty by attrition: safeties Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle, nickelback Upton Stout and defensive tackle Alfred Collins are all 24, while left guard hopefuls Connor Colby (23) and Carver Willis (24) will compete in camp.
#round #injuries #players
2 months ago
