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49ers roster cuts: 5 biggest surprises to make the 2017 team

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Keith Reaser #27 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on 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: Keith Reaser #27 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on 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) /
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No. 4: Offensive Lineman Erik Magnuson

While not as shocking as John Theus, I was pleasantly surprised to see the 49ers add former Michigan offensive lineman, and undrafted free agent, Erik Magnuson to the roster.

Magnuson was one of five rookies I predicted could start right away after the 2017 NFL Draft.

Related Story: 5 rookies who could start right away for the 49ers in 2017

We caught a glimpse of this during the preseason too. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Magnuson ended up taking a number of snaps at multiple spots along the offensive line, many of which were at center.

Remember, the 49ers parted ways with veteran Pro Bowler Jeremy Zuttah earlier this offseason, all but ensuring Daniel Kilgore is named the starter at center.

But Kilgore has an injury history, which is another reason San Francisco closely monitored its options with Magnuson.

Initially, I thought Magnuson would be an excellent addition to the practice squad. But he certainly did more to earn a spot, and that’s never a bad thing.