49ers 53-man roster prediction with mandatory minicamp in the books
By Peter Panacy
Defensive line (10)
Evan Anderson*, Robert Beal Jr., Nick Bosa, Maliek Collins, Jordan Elliott, Leonard Floyd, Kevin Givens, Yetur Gross-Matos, Javon Hargrave, Drake Jackson
San Francisco's defensive line remains one of its top strengths despite losing longtime starter Arik Armstead during the offseason.
To replace him, the 49ers brought aboard defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott before signing undrafted free-agent rookie Evan Anderson to a deal that includes $280,000 in guaranteed money, indicating he has an excellent shot of surviving roster cuts.
On the edges, namely after losing rushers like Randy Gregory, Chase Young and Clelin Ferrell to free agency, the Niners added an underdeveloped pass-rusher in Yetur Gross-Matos while grabbing a proven veteran in Leonard Floyd, both of whom hope to ease the pressure on All-Pro Nick Bosa.
What that means for San Francisco's top pick of the 2022 draft, Drake Jackson, isn't totally clear. After flaming out down the stretch in each of the last two seasons, Jackson is fighting for a fringe role alongside second-year pro Robert Beal Jr.
Both make the cut here but likely see limited roles on defense.