Early 53-man roster predictions for 49ers after 2023 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
49ers post-NFL Draft 53-man roster predictions: Defensive line (9)
In: Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, Clelin Ferrell, Kevin Givens, Javon Kinlaw, Javon Hargrave, Kerry Hyder, Drake Jackson, Robert Beal Jr.*
Out: Alex Barrett, Austin Bryant, Kalia Davis, T.Y. McGill, Spencer Waege*
Each year, San Francisco pours resources into its defensive line, which makes predictions both easier and tougher at the same time.
Case in point, the 49ers inked former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave as their prized offseason free agent, so he's a lock. And not using an NFL Draft pick on a D-lineman helps with some determinations, too, including the reality that fourth-year pro Javon Kinlaw will likely be on the roster, if healthy, even if the Niners aren't picking up his fifth-year option.
Hargrave, Kinlaw, Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead are about the only guarantees, though, while Drake Jackson will need to rebound from a disappointing finish to his rookie year. Signs point to that happening, but it's something to monitor.
Read More: Niners can stay excited about Drake Jackson despite late-year dropoff
A guess would have one of San Francisco's two reclamation projects, Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell, making the roster as a reserve pass-rusher, but both could be on the outs if Jackson and the rookie, Robert Beal, thrive in camp.
Undrafted free-agent lineman Spencer Waege out of North Dakota State is intriguing, but he's likely a practice squad candidate at best in year one.