San Francisco 49ers: Who is offensive lineman Norman Price?
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise shifts our annual “Who Is?” series to San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Norman Price and looks at whether or not he can make the 2017 roster.
San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Norman Price has the benefit of being a player carried over from the 2016 season.
On the other hand, Price isn’t a hand-picked player brought in by the Niners’ new regime.
Price ended up with San Francisco as an undrafted free agent back in May 2016. The former Southern Mississippi lineman didn’t make the 53-man roster cut that year but did end up on the practice squad for the duration of his rookie season.
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The 49ers made some investments along their offensive line this offseason, so Price will have a tough time ensuring he winds up sticking around after cuts.
Let’s take a look at reasons why he could, as well as those regression marks that would prevent him from making a regular-season roster.
Why He’ll Improve
Price’s 6-foot-4, 311-pound frame saw more action at tackle in college, although he might be a better fit at guard at the NFL level.
He ran a 5.11 40-yard time at Southern Miss’ pro day back in 2016, which isn’t particularly bad, but the worthy stat to look at here is his ability to move in space and with agility.
He posted a 4.72 20-yard shuttle time here.
There isn’t a lot of scouting info on Price, so it’s hard to see what kind of fit he’ll bring to San Francisco as it goes through a restructuring this offseason. But new regimes can always spark improvement, so we have to leave the possibility open.
Why He’ll Regress
Price fits the bill as one of those offensive lineman not quite cut out to be an outside tackle. Weight could also be an issue, and there already is a crowded depth chart at the interior guard positions.
The Niners brought in interior linemen Brandon Fusco, Jeremy Zuttah and Tim Barnes this offseason, as well as adding a number of other undrafted free agents.
So Price probably won’t be receiving first- or even second-team reps during training camp.
And while he has some noted agility, operating in space will likely be a much bigger hurdle at the pro level.
What to Expect in 2017
Not being part of the 49ers’ current regime’s pick list could hurt his chances of making the roster. They probably weren’t that good anyway.
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A year on the practice squad has probably given the Niners enough evaluation time to determine whether or not he’s worth the continued investment. As for his chances to make the 53-man roster, well, they’re about null.
There is, however, a decent chance he sticks around on the practice squad for one more season.
Yet San Francisco may elect to fill the squad with players taken from this year’s UDFA class, not a holdover from the previous regime.
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So Price will have to prove himself worthy of consideration, and that’s going to be tough between now and roster cuts.