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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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August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Shayne Skov (44) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Shayne Skov (44) during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Linebacker Shayne Skov

San Francisco’s decision not to draft an inside linebacker in 2016 might have been a bit puzzling, but it opens up the door a little wider for linebacker Shayne Skov to make the cut.

Skov was picked up as an undrafted free agent in 2014 despite being listed as one of the better inside linebackers available in the draft. The former Stanford product bounced around a bit from roster to practice squad before landing on the 49ers regular-season roster in 2015.

He appeared in 15 games last year and primarily contributed on special teams.

Turning 26 years old in July, Skov is entering his prime, physically, and may be able to offer up more contributions with a couple of years at the pro level under his belt.

He’ll have competition though.

The 49ers are leaving the starting competition alongside All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman up to Michael Wilhoite, Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong, and it’s fair to asses the losers of this competition wind up in backup roles.

This could push Skov out of the picture, barring injury, unless Skov is able to pass over one of the aforementioned guys.

It’s possible though. Especially if the 49ers don’t view Wilhoite — signed to a one-year extension this offseason — as a long-term option.

Next: No. 4: Prince Charles Iworah