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NFL Roster Cuts: 5 Biggest Mistakes the 49ers Made in Creating 53-Man Roster

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) and quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) talk prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Christian Ponder (5) and quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) talk prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Marcus Martin (66) greets fans before entering the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Marcus Martin (66) greets fans before entering the field before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Using a Roster Spot on Center Marcus Martin

This one was a major head-scratcher.

Center Marcus Martin — the same guy who posted a minus-45.6 overall grade last year, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required) — will be on San Francisco’s 53-man roster this year.

The 49ers had been working with guard Zane Beadles at center, which led one to believe the team would be moving from Martin after two disappointing seasons.

Just take a look at this following play. Never mind quarterback Christian Ponder scoring the touchdown. Just watch Martin at center:

Martin falls flat on his face after the snap.

Perhaps Beadles wasn’t picking up snapping duties. Still, keeping Martin doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.

This could have been a roster spot used on pass-rushing linebacker Marcus Rush who, at least, made it to the Niners practice squad. San Francisco needs pass-rushing help to start the season. While Rush’s run-stopping abilities aren’t the best, a situational pass-rusher would help a lot.

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Martin, at best, is a third-string offensive lineman. At least at this point in his career.

True, he’s only 22 years old. He may still develop into something worthwhile. And maybe that’s what the 49ers were thinking.

Still, it’s a strange move to make. And it caps off our list of worst Niners decisions made regarding their 53-man roster.

Next: Breaking Down Final Wave of 49ers Roster Cuts

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.