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49ers 2018 roster: Bubble-watch projections after preseason Week 3

By Jeremy Wohlfart

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 29, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 29: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers passes in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 29, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts Recap Postition Grades and Analysis
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts gets sacked by Jeremiah Attaochu #92 and Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defensive line:

Cassius Marsh: Strong chance

Jeremiah Attaochu: Strong chance

Earl Mitchell: Strong chance

Ronald Blair: Weak chance

Niles Scott: Long shot

Will Sutton: Long shot

Chris Jones: Long shot

It doesn’t feel any of the strong chances on this list are in too much trouble, with the exception of Earl Mitchell. Mitchell has been outplayed this preseason by more than a few defensive linemen, and with the influx of strong interior defensive talent, he could be a possible cut.

That said, I expect him to make the roster along with Cassius Marsh and Jeremiah Attaochu. However both Marsh and Attaochu both need to get to the quarterback a lot more, or their roster spots may not be guaranteed for long.

Ronald Blair is a possibility too. He flashed some potential last season, and you can never have too many defensive linemen just in case.

A strong showing to finish the preseason could put him over the line, especially if Mitchell is a cut.

Post-game analysis: 

Attaochu recorded a sack against the Colts starters and played very well, which serves as, hopefully, a sign he can be somewhat productive this year. The defense performed very well on the whole, but there was no real reason to change my conclusions.