5 49ers on Protection Who Are on the Last Roster Sizzling Seat

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Kevin Atkins of the 49ers chases Kellen Mond of the Vikings on August 20, 2022.

As soon as the San Francisco 49ers hit the sphere for his or her ultimate preseason sport versus the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 25, it might mark the ultimate sport for a few of the S.F. defenders.

In six days, the 49ers should be part of the remainder of the NFL in determining who the ultimate 53 representatives on their roster can be — which implies cuts need to be made. For some, they might stick across the Bay Space, however as a observe squad candidate.

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Heavy on 49ers has already pinpointed 5 offensive gamers who want this ultimate sport to solidify their case to stay round. Who on protection wants a breakout night time? Listed here are the 5:

Kevin Atkins, Defensive Sort out

The 49ers are in a really distinctive state of affairs with their defensive trenches.

Whereas a power of the protection, what number of defensive linemen can they maintain for the ultimate depth chart? The undrafted Atkins is one who’s in a troublesome spot in what’s a crowded DL room.

Why Atkins might keep: Maurice Hurst being out for awhile with torn biceps and Kalia Davis on the NFI (non-football sickness) listing creates voids within the inside for the 49ers. The Fresno State Bulldogs standout Atkins could possibly be a depth choice as a real defensive deal with.

Why he doesn’t make it: Atkins was restricted to 10 snaps versus the Vikings in line with Professional Soccer Focus. For UDFA’s, low snap counts are often a unfavourable signal concerning roster probabilities. Plus, even with accidents inside, the 49ers produce other choices in Hassan Ridgeway, Jordan Willis, Kevin Givens and might go lengthy within the inside with towering defenders Charles Omenihu (6-foot-5) and Arik Armstead (6-foot-7).

Akeem Spence, Defensive Sort out

Spence was one of many new additions throughout coaching camp, with the 49ers changing into his ninth cease.

May the 30-year-old face the potential for needing to discover a tenth?

Why Spence might keep: Familiarity with defensive position coach Kris Kocurek considerably helps. The 2 have been along with the Detroit Lions. And Spence’s 6-foot-1, 307-pound body makes him excellent for a D.J. Jones-type function. Spence additionally took extra snaps than Atkins (25) at Minnesota.

Why he doesn’t make it: Once more, it is a crowded DL room. Plus with Javon Kinlaw wholesome and impressing and free agent discover Hassan Ridgeway with the 49ers longer than Spence, it might imply observe squad for each Spence and Atkins.

Segun Olubi, Inside Linebacker

Olubi noticed an uptick in snap counts versus Minnesota with 18 in comparison with the 11 towards Inexperienced Bay.

However is there sufficient room within the linebacker room to maintain him?

Why Olubi might keep: Olubi was referred to as a defender who might make performs in house with San Diego State. He additionally had the velocity to cowl broad receivers within the Mountain West, a convention recognized for velocity. That makes him a Dre Greenlaw/Azeez Al-Shaair sort.

Why he doesn’t make it: Marcelino McCrary-Ball has grow to be a breakout UDFA in the identical LB room Olubi is in. It’s going to possible come all the way down to which one will get extra snaps and manufacturing versus Houston that determines who can be most probably to remain on board.

Tayler Hawkins, Security

Hawkins got here to the 49ers including to the SDSU Aztec illustration with Olubi.

However can the hard-hitting security do sufficient to remain on?

Why Hawkins might keep: His snaps elevated versus the Vikings, with 40 defensive performs in comparison with the 14 in his preseason debut. Harm to Jimmie Ward and lack of security depth may be convincing. Additionally, he helped cap the street win within the Twin Cities with this:

Why he doesn’t make it: Veteran Tashaun Gipson was signed to offset Ward’s harm. Kyle Shanahan additionally advised the Bay Space media that Gipson is probably going “to get some sport tape on him” versus Houston. It might come all the way down to the veteran security and the UDFA on who stays longer earlier than Ward is wholesome.

Dontae Johnson, Cornerback

Johnson has been lauded for his veteran play and availability when known as upon.

However how way more can the 30-year-old stick round in a cornerback unit that’s gotten youthful and already helped push one veteran to the aspect in Darqueze Dennard?

Why Johnson might keep: To reiterate, he’s been dependable when the 49ers wanted to fill accidents. He additionally brings a particular groups presence, one other deciding issue on which reserves keep.

Why he doesn’t make it: He’s naturally a nickelback. The emergence of rookie Samuel Womack and second-year professional Deommodore Lenoir placing collectively a robust preseason has difficult issues there for Johnson. Tariq Castro-Fields is one other rookie who noticed extra motion within the second August sport. The 49ers have youthful, intriguing items within the secondary…which might persuade the 49ers to half methods with the veteran.