49ers training camp: Bubble-watch projections for San Francisco’s roster
By Peter Panacy
Weak-Bubble Players
- C Tim Barnes
- RB Kapri Bibbs
- WR Aaron Burbridge
- TE Garrett Celek
- DB Adrian Colbert
- DB Don Jones
- WR Tim Patrick
- EDGE Pita Taumoepenu
- OL Darrell Williams Jr.
The 49ers brought in free-agent center Tim Barnes to compete with veterans Jeremy Zuttah and Daniel Kilgore, although it’s highly unlikely the Niners keep three players at this position.
Like Raheem Mostert, running back Kapri Bibbs finds himself at a crowded position. True, the 49ers did make a trade for him earlier this offseason, showing they might have some vested interest. And Bibbs offers special teams ability. Still, he’s on the far fringes of the roster right now.
The same could be said of tight end Garrett Celek.
Celek essentially is the same kind of player as fellow TE Logan Paulsen. Both are known primarily for their blocking abilities, and the 49ers likely won’t keep two No. 2-type tight ends on the roster, especially considering more promising threats like George Kittle and Cole Hikutini are turning heads.
Edge rusher Pita Taumoepenu is an interesting commodity. If San Francisco’s defensive front wasn’t so deep, Taumoepenu’s chances to make the roster would be pretty good.
He’s raw, so a spot on the practice squad would be ideal if he clears.