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San Francisco 49ers: Early bubble-watch projections for 2018

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers (left) talks with teammates in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers (left) talks with teammates in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 31: Ryan Carrethers #90 of the Los Angeles Chargers tries to tackle Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 31: Ryan Carrethers #90 of the Los Angeles Chargers tries to tackle Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Weak Bubble

WR Victor Bolden Jr., WR Aaron Burbridge, TE Ross Dwelley, OL Garry Gilliam, TE Cole Hikutini, S Chanceller James, DB Don Jones, CB Greg Mabin, LB Mark Nzeocha, OL Mike Person, DB Tyvis Powell, WR Aldrick Robinson, EGDE Pita Taumoepenu, RB Joe Williams, OL Darrell Williams Jr.

Both the locks and strong-bubble candidates will likely comprise 50, or so, roster spots on the 53-man roster in Week 1. The next class of candidates, the weak bubble, are all vying for only a handful of openings after the preseason.

It’s going to be a tough crop to crack. For the most part, these players will have to offer up some form of serious versatility, value or the ability to contribute on special teams to maximize their chances.

Case in point, running back Joe Williams (redshirted in 2017, ankle) will have to either beat out second-year back Matt Breida on the tailback depth chart or outwork Raheem Mostert on special teams.

Neither seems to be an easy proposition.

Additionally, the 49ers adding wide receivers Dante Pettis and Richie James via the draft puts pressure on returning wideouts Aldrick Robinson and Victor Bolden Jr. — both marginal players in 2017.

One of the other camp competitions to watch this offseason will be for the No. 3 tight end spot, where Cole Hikutini and Ross Dwelley will battle it out.

And it’s possible neither makes the cut.