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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Dark-Horse Candidates to Make the 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

November 14, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Ugo Amadi (14, left) is called for defensive pass interference against Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Cardinal 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 14, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Ugo Amadi (14, left) is called for defensive pass interference against Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Cardinal 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 6, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Alex Balducci (56) celebrates with Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) against the Michigan State Spartans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Alex Balducci (56) celebrates with Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) against the Michigan State Spartans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 8: Offensive Lineman Alex Balducci

Former University of Oregon defensive lineman Alex Balducci was another one of San Francisco’s undrafted free-agent signings following the 2016 NFL Draft.

Interestingly enough, the 49ers promptly asked Balducci to switch from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive line, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. Per Maiocco, Balducci played both positions at the high school level, so it may not be as difficult a switch as one might suspect.

“Alex is kind of built like a prototypical offensive lineman,” head coach Chip Kelly said, via Maiocco. “I think he’s got really good feet and is very athletic, so I think it was a natural maneuver.”

Balducci is now reunited with former coach Kelly, as well as Duck teammates DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead.

And, from what Maiocco reported, Balducci managed to impress more than a few members of the 49ers coaching staff as well as veterans.

“I never would’ve known that he came from the D-line,” veteran left tackle Joe Staley said. “I actually didn’t know until a week after he was here. (Moving from) defensive line to offensive line is so different, in terms of footwork. Offensive line is such a technical position. He had a lot of that stuff down from Day 1.”

San Francisco already has a good deal of depth along the O-line entering training camp, so it’s going to be a long shot to see Balducci make the 53-man roster.

Feasibly, he could be competing for a roster spot currently occupied by returning NFL veterans like Marcus Martin or Ian Silberman.

Maybe the practice squad is more realistic, but the initial signs are looking good for the converted lineman.

Next: No. 7: Marcus Cromartie