49ers' final 53-man roster prediction with NFL preseason complete
By John Porter
The Trenches
Offensive Line (9) - Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz, Jaylon Moore, Nick Zakelj, Spencer Burford, Chris Hubbard
The back end of these picks could go either way, but the starting five aren't a surprise, particularly as Dominick Puni has ascended rapidly throughout preseason. Spencer Burford keeps his spot as the team continues to bet on his potential (and his only likely competition, Jon Feliciano, will start the season on IR), with Nick Zakelj's versatility also saving his job.
Jaylon Moore and Chris Hubbard are both capable tackles, and given the uncertainty around Trent Williams, as well as McKivitz's up-and-down play, both are projected to remain here.
The main battles here are probably between Hubbard, Zakelj, and someone equally as versatile as Ben Bartch, or developing rookie Jarrett Kingston. If the 49ers decide to go a tackle lighter, Kingston might make the roster. It seems more likely he'd be ticketed for the practice squad, though, while Bartch, despite some positive comments from Chris Foerster, didn't seem to distinguish himself enough to land a role.
Defensive Line (8) - Nick Bosa, Maliek Collins, Javon Hargrave, Jordan Elliott, Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Kevin Givens, Robert Beal
This is light for the Niners' usual load on the defensive line, and it speaks to the "big on quality, short on depth" nature of the position.
There's a chance they could enter the trade market at this position, possibly for a role player similar to previous 49ers captures like Jordan Willis and Charles Omenihu, particularly if injuries sustained by Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos are more severe than they appear.
Kalia Davis, will, during all the moves, go on IR designated to return, as he's expected to miss half the season. If he can shake the injury bug, he seems to have real talent.
Robert Beal just edges out Alex Barrett, as it feels like the team sees more potential in the second-year player, in spite of the fact that he has yet to produce at the level his athletic talents could suggest. That said, Barrett got first go in the rotation in Friday's game against the Raiders, so might he have the inside track?