SANTA CLARA — The 49ers won’t open their regular season for about six months (Sept. 9 or 10) but here is how their offensive starting lineup looks, after an early jump on free agency and updated as of guard Jonathan Cooper’s March 20 signing:
Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo.
Analysis: All he has to do is remain unbeaten after signing the NFL’s richest annual deal. Backups: C.J. Beathard, Nick Mullens.
Running back: Jerick McKinnon
Analysis: The former Vikings backup replaces Carlos Hyde — in the same No. 28 — as a more versatile rusher and receiver, and he’ll be complemented by ex-Georgia Southern teammate Matt Breida. Backups: Breida, Joe Williams, Raheem Mostert, Jeremy McNichols.
Wide receivers: Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor
Analysis: This starting trio combined for only four touchdowns last season, and none came from Garçon before his season-ending neck injury Oct. 29. The draft should add competition. Backups: Aldrick Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, Victor Bolden, Aaron Burbridge, DeAndre Carter, Max McCaffrey.
Tight end: George Kittle, Garrett Celek
Analysis: Injuries hindered Kittle’s rookie year while “Celek Time” emerged with a career-high four touchdowns. The 49ers must get more production out of this unit. Backups: Cole Hikutini, Cole Wick.
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk
Analysis: Juszczyk won last year’s Bill Walsh Award winner and made the Pro Bowl, coming through mostly as a lead blocker and a solid receiver (33 receptions, 315 yards) with only seven carries (31 yards). Backup: Malcolm Johnson.
Left tackle: Joe Staley
Analysis: This will be his team-high 12th season and the 49ers owe him a raise above his $4.8 million salaries the next two years. Backups: Darrell Williams, Pace Murphy.
Left guard: Laken Tomlinson
Analysis: Tomlinson, acquired in an Aug. 31 trade from the Lions, got stronger as the season went on but not enough to alleviate concerns about interior line. Cooper’s addition adds competition, as he’s coming off a career-high 13 starts last season with the Cowboys. Backups: Jonathan Cooper, Zane Beadles
Center: Weston Richburg
Analysis: Richburg (No. 58) replaces Daniel Kilgore (traded to Dolphins) and has a solid pass-protection background from his previous four seasons with the Giants. Backups: Erik Magnuson.
Right guard: Joshua Garnett
Analysis: Competition is needed from either a draft prospect or a surprise veteran (hello, Jonathan Cooper) at both guard spots, especially at right guard to challenge Garnett. The 2016 first-round pick from Stanford who did not play last season as he rehabilitated a knee injury and tried transforming his body to better fit Shanahan’s system. Backup: Andrew Lauderdale.
Right tackle: Trent Brown
Analysis: Brown (shoulder surgery) likely will be limited through spring workouts, so Garry Gilliam should get plenty of reps to make up for missing the final half of last season (knee surgery). Backup: Gilliam.