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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players that Shouldn’t Make the 53-Man Roster

By Akash Anavarathan

Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during a press conference at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Mike Purcell (64) scores a touchdown after intercepting the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Mike Purcell (64) scores a touchdown after intercepting the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: DL Mike Purcell

With the addition of defensive tackle Earl Mitchell and emergence of DT Ronald Blair, I think DL Mike Purcell’s days as a San Francisco 49er are over.

Purcell has been with the 49ers for four seasons now, two on the practice squad and two on the 53-man roster. He was one of ex-DL coach Jim Tomsula’s projects, meaning Tomsula brought him in to develop into a future starter.

The problem with Purcell ist he shines during the preseason when he’s playing against backups and third-string players. Put him on the field with starters and he’s marginal at best.

In 15 games with the 49ers, he racked up 26 tackles, which was a career high, but he might have hit his ceiling. His run defense has been porous, and the 49ers should turn to Mitchell or Blair to fill Purcell’s role.

He has a chance to take a step forward, but it’s more likely that Purcell has hit his ceiling. Although he’s a fan favorite, it’s best that the 49ers cut the cord here and don’t have him on the 53-man roster.