5 dark-horse candidates to make 49ers 53-man roster in 2022

49ers dark-horse roster candidate No. 4: S Tayler Hawkins

It’s easy to root for undrafted rookies, and first-year safety Tayler Hawkins has made a name for himself during both training camp and the preseason.

Hawkins is a strong dark-horse candidate to make the Niners’ 53-man roster for a few reasons, including his game-sealing interception against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 of the preseason:

Granted, one fourth-quarter turnover isn’t going to automatically guarantee Hawkins a roster spot.

However, the former San Diego State defensive back has also accounted well for himself during training camp, too.

And with San Francisco likely missing veteran free safety Jimmie Ward (hamstring) to open up the regular season, the 49ers could look at someone like Hawkins as a bit of an insurance policy to begin the year until Ward can return.

Either way, Hawkins has certainly done enough to put himself into the conversation.