49ers' 2023 preseason is over, these players are on the roster bubble (and these players are safe)
By Peter Panacy
49ers offensive line
Lock: Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Jon Feliciano, Colton McKivitz, Trent Williams
Strong bubble: Jaylon Moore, Jason Poe, Matt Pryor
Weak bubble: Joey Fisher*, Corey Luciano*, Ilm Manning*, Leroy Watson, Nick Zakelj
Long shot: Alfredo Gutierrez, Keith Ismael
The 49ers' starting offensive line is set, and they're all locks with Jon Feliciano performing the Daniel Brunskill-like role of being an uber-backup for multiple spots.
The Niners' depth, however, is questionable at best.
Jaylon Moore, who was pegged as a primary swing tackle, suffered a bone bruise during training camp and subsequently struggled during the preseason, opening up the door for Matt Pryor to potentially take that job. Likewise, second-year pro Nick Zakelj probably played himself out of a roster spot by averaging at least two holding penalties per game during the preseason.
Yet his likely departure could be made up for by the development of a promising rookie like the undrafted Ilm Manning, who shined enough to be a dark horse for the 53-man roster.
The practice squad is more likely for Manning in year one, though, which is how second-year pro Jason Poe started off his NFL career, and he potentially secures a backup job after solid work this preseason.