Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 5 under-the-radar players you should watch in training camp

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: San Francisco 49ers stretch during a practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: San Francisco 49ers stretch during a practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 26: Amara Darboh #82 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates his four yard touchdown reception against the Brigham Young Cougars with teammates Freddy Canteen #17, Jake Rudock #15 and Erik Magnuson #78 of the Michigan Wolverines to take a 14-0 lead in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 26: Amara Darboh #82 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates his four yard touchdown reception against the Brigham Young Cougars with teammates Freddy Canteen #17, Jake Rudock #15 and Erik Magnuson #78 of the Michigan Wolverines to take a 14-0 lead in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Offensive Lineman Erik Magnuson

2017 undrafted free-agent offensive lineman Erik Magnuson wasn’t supposed to have a significant role with the 49ers his rookie season.

Yet he did, appearing in four games and even starting two of them at tackle.

It was pretty clear the Niners saw something in Magnuson early last year. During the preseason, Magnuson cross trained at all five spots along the offensive line — a move San Francisco hoped would increase Magnuson’s versatility, which is key for backup players.

Magnuson had his share of rookie struggles, posting a lowly 41.5 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, allowing two sacks and 12 quarterback hurries in the process.

As is the case with many UDFA O-linemen, though, Magnuson might take a major leap his second year within the NFL ranks.

His ability to play guard, tackle or even center should bode well in training camp. While the 49ers have four of their five starting O-line positions set, depth is a concern. And it’s in this role where Magnuson could carve out a nice little niche.

Keep an eye on where he lines up during camp and, more importantly, with which unit. Seeing snaps with the second squad might be an excellent indicator the Niners are hoping he makes the cut this season.