4 on-roster options 49ers have if Alex Mack actually retires

49ers replacement option for Alex Mack No. 3: Dohnovan West

Had San Francisco used a fourth- or even a third-round draft pick on former Arizona State center Dohnovan West, few would have complained.

After all, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman was projected as an early day-three pick in the draft, yet he somehow ended up slipping all the way into the ranks of the undrafted.

The 49ers inked West to a three-year deal worth $2.56 million, although there’s zero in guaranteed money, according to Over the Cap.

Still, as far as UDFA players with the best chance of making the Niners’ 53-man roster this season, West is surely right up there with Jason Poe, perhaps even a bit higher.

Unlike Poe, West is much more of a natural center, so there wouldn’t be too big of an adjustment here, at least in terms of positions. The only major differences, of course, would be all those necessary acclimations to the pro-level game and competition.

If anything, though, Alex Mack being absent from OTAs opens up far more chances for a player like West to climb the depth chart, such as getting second-team reps a bit more as opposed to only seeing time with the third-string unit.