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NFL Roster Cuts: 5 Best Moves the 49ers Made in Creating 53-Man Roster

By Peter Panacy

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks up the tunnel after a 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks up the tunnel after a 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargersrunning back Gus Johnson (33) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargersrunning back Gus Johnson (33) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ronald Blair (98) during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Retaining Defensive End Ronald Blair

The 49ers had only so many spots along their defensive line, and rookie defensive end Ronald Blair was one to make the cut.

And for all the right reasons.

As a situational pass-rusher, Blair is a tremendous force with a ton of upside. Just take a look at what Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney had to say about him:

Keeping Blair likely pushed out nose tackle Garrison Smith, who ended up being claimed by the Seattle Seahawks. And the move also negated a need for San Francisco to keep linebacker Marcus Rush, who landed on the practice squad, on the 53-man roster as well.

To think this — Rush led the NFL with six preseason sacks. And the Niners feel better about Blair’s abilities.

Let’s hope those translate over into the regular season.

Next: Retaining QB Colin Kaepernick