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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 12, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; Liberty Flames place kicker John Lunsford (49) kicks a field goal against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the fourth quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. West Virginia won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; Liberty Flames place kicker John Lunsford (49) kicks a field goal against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the fourth quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. West Virginia won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Kicker John Lunsford

NFL teams frequently bring on kickers during training camp and the preseason to ensure their own starters aren’t exposed to any risks or unnecessary dangers in advance of the regular season.

Last year, the 49ers added kicker Corey Acosta to handle the majority of special teams duties instead of exposing veteran starter Phil Dawson. When the regular season began, Acosta was shown the door.

Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) gives a thumbs up following the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defeated the 49ers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) gives a thumbs up following the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns defeated the 49ers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

The same context applies to 2016, although former Liberty kicker John Lunsford is now with the 49ers instead of Acosta.

But, at 41 years old, it’s safe to say Dawson is no longer the shoo-in to remain on the team’s roster for the long run. This year may be the veteran’s last, as his recent one-year deal would indicate, but that doesn’t necessarily mean his job is safe either.

Remember, the 49ers replaced former punter Andy Lee with then-rookie Bradley Pinion a year ago. Granted, Pinion was a Round 5 draftee, so that increased his chances.

Still, the same could happen with Lunsford and Dawson.

It’s highly doubtful but, if the 49ers see some impressive things from Lunsford, fans may be seeing a new kicker out there in 2016.

Next: No. 2: Darren Lake