How 49ers rookies fit into team's plan

The rookies joined the 49ers’ veterans this week in the offseason program.

Here’s a look at how the 23 rookies could fit into the organization – whether it’s the 53-man roster or 10-member practice squad – once the regular season begins:

DRAFT PICKS (11)
--DL DeForest Buckner: The first-round pick should open the season as a starter. That's a reasonable expectation for the No. 7 overall draft pick.
--OG Joshua Garnett: After trading up to draft him in the first round, he is expected to win a starting job on the offensive line.
--CB Will Redmond: Although GM Trent Baalke promised he’ll be ready for training camp, logic says it might take him a while to show what he can do. Clearly, the 49ers expect him on the 53-man roster at the beginning of regular season.
--CB Rashard Robinson: The fourth-round pick has to get stronger. He’s expected to win a spot on 53-man roster but might have to grow into a role.
--DL Ronald Blair: His versatility and ability to rush the passer gives him a good chance to win spot on 53-man roster, though he will have difficult time making the game-day 46.
--OL John Theus: He could compete at right tackle. His versatility also puts him in the picture to be swing tackle and backup guard.
--OL Fahn Cooper: See above. He and Theus will compete for virtually same role.
--QB Jeff Driskel: It’ll be difficult for him to beat out Thad Lewis for the No. 3 job, but it’s certainly possible. In any case, his physical talents are worth developing on the practice squad for at least a full season.
--RB Kelvin Taylor: Solid all-around back should make a run for backup job behind Carlos Hyde, but a spot on 53-man roster is far from guaranteed. 
--WR Aaron Burbridge: The 49ers have a bunch of young, unproven wide receivers. He can win a roster spot if he distinguishes himself, but the practice squad might be the most-likely route. 
--CB Prince Charles Iworah: He joins a group that includes three draft picks from 2014 and two others from this year’s class. Could be ticketed to practice squad to allow development.

UNDRAFTED ROOKIES (12)
--WR Devon Cajuste: The ultimate ‘tweener could conceivably win a roster spot as a slot receiver because of the matchups. He could go against slower linebackers or use his size and strength against smaller defensive backs. His versatility gives him a chance.
--WR Bryce Treggs: A slot receiver, he might have to show quickly that he is sure-handed and capable as a punt returner to make a run at Bruce Ellington’s job.
--OL Blake Muir: He will be up against returners Andrew Tiller, Ian Silberman and Brandon Thomas to make a bid for a roster spot.
--OL Norman Price: Price is right there in the same category as Theus and Cooper. He's a tackle who will be asked to show his versatility to bump inside.
--OL/DL Alex Balducci: A defensive lineman in college, he comes to the 49ers as an offensive lineman. He is the perfect practice-squad candidate due to his ability to play both ways.
--DL Demetrius Cherry: He has the size (6-5, 297) to get the 49ers attention. If he shows up when the pads go on, the practice squad is within his grasp.
--DL Darren Lake: Spot on 53-man roster is a long shot, but the 49ers will keep one true nose tackle on the practice squad.
--LB Jay Fanaika: At 271 pounds, Fanaika has a 35 ½-inch vertical. The door is open for the pass-rush-starved 49ers to be impressed with a newcomer.
--LB Lenny Jones: Taller but lighter than Fanaika, the two rookies are competing against each other, Corey Lemonier and Eli Harold.
--S Jered Bell: Roster spots here are scarce, but the practice squad is in play.
--K John Lunsford: He has incredible leg strength but needs to tighten up his accuracy. He has a chance to take over for Phil Dawson in 2017.
--LB Wynton McManis: He earned a contract after impressing the 49ers during a tryout. He weighed 237 at his pro day. He played outside linebacker in college, but he appears well-suited to move inside. A role on special teams is his ticket.