49ers training camp roster: Updated bubble watch after first week
By Peter Panacy
49ers Defensive Linemen
Lock: Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, D.J. Jones, Solomon Thomas, Javon Kinlaw*
Strong Bubble: Kevin Givens, Kerry Hyder, Ronald Blair
Weak Bubble: Dion Jordan, Kentavius Street, Jullian Taylor
Long Shot: Darrion Daniels*, Jonathan Kongbo
San Francisco’s defensive line remains the team’s strongest and most formidable unit on that side of the ball, although there are some pressing questions about the depth.
Linemen Ronald Blair and Jullian Taylor are still on the physically unable-to-perform (PUP) list after suffering torn ACL’s last season, and Taylor’s was much later in the season, thereby putting his availability to start the regular season in jeopardy. It’s likely the Niners start Taylor on the PUP list, giving the team a six-week window where he won’t count against the 53-man roster.
EDGE Kerry Hyder is on the fringe, although defensive line coach Kris Kocurek will be looking to replicate the kind of success they had together back in 2016 with the Detroit Lions when Hyder recorded eight sacks.
Apparently, Kocurek is hyped about Hyder, and his presence could bolster a questionable pass-rush depth behind the impact duo of Dee Ford and Nick Bosa.
Rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is expected to occupy a significant role right away and should be a three-down lineman early.