3 bubble players who deserve to make 49ers 53-man roster
By Peter Panacy
49ers Bubble Player No. 2: Safety Tavon Wilson
Earlier in training camp, it seemed a surefire thing veteran safety Tavon Wilson was a lock for the 53-man roster. He was, after all, showing off in a big way during camp in the wake of the presumed strong safety starter, Jaquiski Tartt, going on the physically unable-to-perform list with a turf-toe injury.
A few developments have transpired since, though.
Tartt is active and off the PUP list, and one should assume he’ll get the start in Week 1. San Francisco also inked veteran safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, a former first-round NFL Draft pick, to a one-year deal, and he’s crowded the depth chart.
And then there’s been the surprising maturation, development and play from the rookie, Talanoa Hufanga.
The 49ers will certainly want at least two backups, especially given Tartt and fellow safety Jimmie Ward’s injury reputations. Hufanga looks like a sure lock, but the final roster spot could come down to who exceeds expectations between Clinton-Dix and Wilson.
Of the two, it sure appears as if Wilson has made the better name for himself, although Clinton-Dix hasn’t exactly had his share of chances with the Niners just yet.
Still, Wilson’s special teams prowess might give him the edge here. He certainly deserves it.