Niner Noise
FanSided

5 players who need a strong training camp to stay on 49ers’ roster

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers runs in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers runs in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Defensive end Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Defensive end Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Defensive End Ronald Blair

Defensive end Ronald Blair is on this list essentially due to only the overabundance of defensive linemen the 49ers boast entering 2019.

The new additions, particularly edge rushers Dee Ford and Nick Bosa, push a number of the depth players down the chart, including Blair, who was tied for the team lead in sacks last season with 5.5.

While impressive for a role player, it will be important for Blair to showcase some versatility. That’s crucial for backups.

Fortunately, Blair has done that already. He has lined up both on the edge and on the inside, although his best fit is probably outside. Yet that’s where the Niners are particularly deep now, meaning the 226-year-old Blair could have an uphill fight to hang on in 2019.

Blair will need to show his versatility as an edge-setting run stopper, a situational pass-rusher and interior disruptor in training camp and during the preseason.