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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Players Who May Be on the Roster Bubble After NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Glenn Dorsey (90) is carted off during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Glenn Dorsey (90) is carted off during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey

Reinforcing the trenches was a top priority for general manager Trent Baalke in the NFL Draft. Five of the 49ers’ 11 draft picks focused on either the defensive or offensive lines which means, in all truth, most every incumbent’s job is up for grabs.

This includes veteran defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.

Dorsey, who played in just 10 games last season before an injury placed him on injured reserve, winds up on the bubble list simply because, well, there might not be any place to put him on the roster.

Part of the equation will depend on nose tackle Ian Williams’ ankle injury and subsequent recovery. Should Williams be good to go for Week 1, a presumed starting D-line would have Williams in the center of the line with defensive linemen Arik Armstead and Quinton Dial on the ends. San Francisco’s first-round draft choice, defensive end DeForest Buckner, would be a rotational player his rookie season.

Buckner could wind up starting too, if his camp and preseason efforts are strong enough. Factor in fellow rookie DE Ronald Blair, and Dorsey’s future with the team seems grim at best.

Dorsey, who is no stranger to injury, could see his tenure with the 49ers extended if the team places him on the injured/designated-for-return list. But that only goes so far, even if Dorsey isn’t healthy to start the year.

True, depth is an important factor in formulating a D-line — especially in head coach Chip Kelly’s uptempo offense.

Next: RB Shaun Draughn