3 bubble players who deserve to make 49ers 53-man roster

49ers Bubble Player No. 1: Nose Tackle Zach Kerr

At the time San Francisco signed journeyman nose tackle Zach Kerr during the offseason, the 49ers were still working out the details to re-sign their starter, D.J. Jones, and they were monitoring an off-field legal situation with Jones’ backup, Kevin Givens.

Nevertheless, Kerr was an excellent signing, and his play over two preseason games thus far has been awfully exciting.

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Particularly against the Chargers, where Kerr’s quick movement skills forced quarterback Easton Stick to an intentional-grounding penalty. Kerr finished that game with two tackles, a quarterback hit, bringing his total to four over two exhibition games.

Just looking back at Kerr’s film from the game, he has to be a lock to make the roster, right?

Well, no. Not necessarily. And that’s unfortunate.

Teams rarely keep three nose tackles. Jones isn’t going anywhere, and defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has been raving about Givens all offseason.

It’s possible the 49ers get creative with their defensive line depth, which has proven to be notably excellent through two preseason bouts, particularly against Los Angeles. Maybe that opens up a door for Kerr to stick around. Or, perhaps, his presence affords the Niners a chance to stash Givens on the practice squad, too.

Either way, Kerr certainly is deserving of a roster spot.