SF 49ers: Post-2021 draft bubble watch for 53-man roster
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers bubble watch: Defensive Line
Lock: Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Samson Ebukam, D.J. Jones, Javon Kinlaw
Strong bubble: Maurice Hurst, Zach Kerr, Arden Key, Jordan Willis
Weak bubble: Alex Barrett, Darrion Daniels, Dee Ford, Kentavius Street
Long shot: Kevin Givens, Daeshon Hall
Despite a flurry of offseason moves, San Francisco’s defensive line remains one of its strongest units, but the big catch will be whether or not it can stay healthy.
The 49ers guarded against some of the potential attrition by signing two former Las Vegas Raiders, Maurice Hurst and Arden Key, to one-year deals with the hope they can find some revitalized success amid a new context. Of the two, Hurst probably has the slight edge to make the cut, although both are looking pretty good.
It’s not so good of news for defensive tackle Kentavius Street, though, who never quite hit a solid ceiling after being an injured fourth-round pick by the Niners back in 2018 coming off a pro-day ACL tear.
And considering nose tackle Kevin Givens’ recent legal troubles, it’s going to take an awful lot for him to convince the front office he’s worth keeping, especially in light of San Francisco’s additions of Hurst and Zach Kerr.
EDGE Dee Ford winds up on the weak bubble solely because his back injury likely keeps him off the active roster to open up the regular season.
He’ll be around, yes. But rather on an injury list to open up 2021.