A position-by-position look at the 49ers' first depth chart:

Left defensive tackle

The order: Ray McDonald, Demarcus Dobbs, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Patrick Butrym

RapidReports take: Dobbs has made himself valuable to the team by showing he can contribute on both sides of the ball. “He is getting better as a tight end, and I think he’s a viable option for us as a tight end," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "He’s still primarily a defensive player and he figures into our plans on defense.”

Nose tackle

The order: Isaac Sopoaga, Ricky Jean Francois, Ian Williams

RR take: Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean Francois will play important roles on the defense; Ian Williams is on the roster bubble. As a rookie last season, Williams appeared in just one game.

Right defensive tackle

The order: Justin Smith, Will Tukuafu, Matt Masifilo

RR take: Like Dobbs, Will Tukuafu presents value on offense and defense. He's been working out at fullback and doesn't figure to get many snaps playing behind Justin Smith. With a Stanford education, rookie Matt Masifilo doesn't need the NFL to make big money -- if he ends up with the team, it'll be on the practice squad.

Left outside linebacker

The order: Ahmad Brooks, Parys Haralson, Cam Johnson, Eric Bakhtiari

RR take: Ahmad Brooks joked Wednesday that the left side -- like in the movie "Remember the Titans" -- is the strong side. It's a strong statement to make considering the opposite side features All-Pro Justin Smith and Aldon Smith. Haralson will serve as the primary backup on both sides. Seventh-round pick Cam Johnson has some work to do to make the team.

Inside linebacker

The order: NaVorro Bowman, Larry Grant, Joe Holland

RR take: After last year's breakout season, Bowman and fellow ILB Patrick Willis are without question the top pair of inside backers in the NFL. When Grant played last year in place of Willis, he excelled. Holland is nothing more than a camp body.

Inside linebacker

The order: Patrick Willis, Tavares Gooden, Michael Wilhoite

RR take: If Patrick Willis goes down, it'll be Larry Grant that takes his place. Gooden is more known for his work on special teams than as part of the linebacking corps.

Right outside linebacker

The order: Aldon Smith, Parys Haralson, Kourtnei Brown

RR take: The only question about the defense is how Smith will adjust to becoming an every-down player. He said the biggest challenge has been dropping back into coverage. If he struggles with that, Haralson can adequately step in.

Left cornerback

The order: Carlos Rogers, Tramaine Brock, Perrish Cox, Curtis Holcomb

RR take: Coming off his first Pro Bowl berth, Rogers is expected to play at high level. Cox could eventually pass Brock for No. 2 on the depth chart and is also an option at nickel.

Right cornerback

The order: Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver, Anthony Mosley, Deante' Purvis

RR take: Brown said he wants to lead the league in INTs and as crazy as that may sound, it's doable. Playing opposite a Pro Bowler in Rogers means Brown will likely get his fair share of passes thrown his way, and with the team's stout run defense, opposing teams may end up throwing even more than usual. Backup Chris Culliver showed last season that he's no liability when he comes into the game.

Free saftey

The order: Dashon Goldson, C.J. Spillman, Cory Nelms, Colin Jones, Mark LeGree

RR take: Based on the three-year contract extension he signed in the offseason, Spillman factors in the 49ers' long-term plans. Whether that eventually means he'll see regular time in the secondary remains to be seen. For at least the short term, he'll back up the team's designated franchise player, Dashon Goldson.

Strong safety

The order: Donte Whitner, Trenton Robinson, Darcel McBath, Michael Thomas

RR take: Robinson appears destined to make the roster, and McBath and Thomas are practice-squad hopefuls. Whitner's role as the vocal leader is clear.

Follow 49ers reporter Kyle Bonagura on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLSF and @KyleBonagura; Like 49ers Rapid Reports on Facebook.