Early 49ers roster-bubble predictions after 2022 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
49ers Offensive Line
Lock: Aaron Banks, Daniel Brunskill, Alex Mack, Mike McGlinchey, Trent Williams, Spencer Burford*,
Strong Bubble: Jake Brendel, Jaylon Moore, Jason Poe*, Dohnovan West*, Nick Zakelj*
Weak Bubble: Colton McKivitz, Justin Skule
Long Shot: Alfredo Gutierrez, Keaton Sutherland, Sam Schlueter*
Again, part of that 49ers modus operandi and using draft capital to reinforce the offensive line.
Not like it was without question marks, though, especially with Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson departing in free agency and opening up the door for last year’s second-round pick, Aaron Banks, to finally get his shot in a premier role.
There are concerns at center, too, with Pro Bowler Alex Mack reportedly still mulling retirement, and the Niners inking former Arizona State center Dohnovan West as a UDFA (it’s important to note West was largely tabbed as an early day-three draft pick) could potentially signal a transition from Mack sooner than later.
Read More: 49ers won UDFA rush by signing Dohnovan West
If Mack doesn’t retire, though, he’s a lock. But West should be right up there on the stronger side of the bubble, too.
West and fellow UDFA Jason Poe, along with rookies Spencer Burford and Nick Zakelj, all create what should be some spicy competition for San Francisco’s O-line depth during training camp.
Ideally, the 49ers would dress eight linemen on game day, meaning at least one of those rookies won’t make the 53-man cut, but it’s hard to predict which one, especially considering how high-profile Poe and West were despite going undrafted.
At least it’s a good problem to have.