49ers Preseason: Evaluating Bubble-Watch Players for Each Position
By Peter Panacy
![Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0d2c6b2f75972b4ae5533503c2e1888423222569b761588f825256d5d4faddcf.jpg)
Offensive Line
Lock: Joshua Garnett, Daniel Kilgore, Joe Staley
Looking Good: Zane Beadles, Trent Brown, Anthony Davis, Andrew Tiller
Strong Bubble: Fahn Cooper, Brandon Thomas, Erik Pears, Ian Silberman
Weak Bubble: Alex Balducci, Colin Kelly, Blake Muir, Norman Price, John Theus
San Francisco’s offensive line looked pretty solid in Sunday’s contest versus the Texans — nothing like the horror story that was 2015.
But this unit still has questions.
Free-agent pickup Zane Beadles has had some difficulties in camp, and the 49ers moved rookie guard Joshua Garnett over to the left side. Fellow guard Andrew Tiller ended up playing on the right. Beadles shouldn’t have too much difficulty making the roster though.
Can right tackle Anthony Davis take his job back from second-year pro Trent Brown? Perhaps, but both players look good to make the 53-man roster.
I kept Erik Pears on the strong bubble, and 49ers fans will probably hate this, but Pears has flexibility to play both exterior and interior O-line positions.
Teams typically dress seven offensive linemen on game day, so having that flexibility goes a long way.
Next: Tight End