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49ers training camp: Bubble-watch projections for San Francisco’s roster

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches during a San Francisco 49ers practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne formerly played professional rugby league in Australia for the Parramatta Eels. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches during a San Francisco 49ers practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne formerly played professional rugby league in Australia for the Parramatta Eels. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Strong-Bubble Players

More from Niner Noise

  • LB Ray-Ray Armstrong
  • EDGE Ronald Blair
  • WR Victor Bolden
  • WR Kendrick Bourne
  • RB Matt Breida
  • OL Garry Gilliam
  • RB Tim Hightower
  • DT D.J. Jones
  • C Daniel Kilgore
  • TE Vance McDonald
  • WR Tim Patrick
  • CB Will Redmond
  • WR DeAndre Smelter
  • S Vinnie Sunseri

San Francisco will have some tough decisions here as the team formulates its 53-man roster.

Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong is no lock to make the roster, but his abilities in coverage might make him a stronger candidate to stick around this season. The same could be said of EDGE Ronald Blair, who also might be seen as a versatile piece within the front seven.

Earlier this offseason, one might not have thought running back Tim Hightower would make the 53-man roster. The 31-year-old veteran does have experience working in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but the age is a factor.

Yet the Niners have given Hightower first-team looks during camp, so that must count for something:

Players from the Trent Baalke era, like tight end Vance McDonald and cornerback Will Redmond, could see themselves elsewhere this season. McDonald was the subject of trade talks before the draft, but a strong camp could push him over one of the rookie options.

Meanwhile, Redmond is battling it out with free-agent pickup, K’Waun Williams, for slot duties. Maybe San Francisco wants to keep him around to see what he can do, but that will be a challenge.

Next: 49ers locks and bubble-watch players after the NFL Draft

Stay tuned to Niner Noise for ongoing coverage of training camp and the preseason!