Which players are on 49ers' roster bubble following 2024 NFL Draft?
Niner Noise looks at which 49ers players are on the roster bubble with the 2024 NFL Draft now in the books.
By Peter Panacy
49ers bubble watch: Defensive line
Lock: Nick Bosa, Maliek Collins, Jordan Elliott, Leonard Floyd, Kevin Givens, Yetur Gross-Matos, Javon Hargrave
Strong bubble: Robert Beal Jr., Kalia Davis, Drake Jackson
Weak bubble: Alex Barrett, Earnest Brown, Austin Bryant, T.Y. McGill, Spencer Waege,
Evan Anderson*
Long shot: Raymond Johnson, Sam Okuayinonu
It's crazy to think, but the 49ers didn't use a first- or second-round draft pick on a defensive lineman. They didn't even use a single pick on the D-line, although they did grab undrafted free-agent Evan Anderson to the tune of $280,000 in guaranteed money:
#49ers went big for undrafted defensive tackle Evan Anderson: $280,000 total guaranteed money, $30,000 to sign and $250,000 of his base salary guaranteed, per a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 28, 2024
That's a lot for a UDFA, which increases Anderson's roster chances to a small extent. But it doesn't change the fact this group is a crowded one.
Assuming the Niners keep nine defensive linemen, there are only enough spots for probably two rotational players, meaning the likes of Drake Jackson, Kalia Davis, Alex Barrett and Robert Beal Jr. need to make notable strides in camp this offseason to stand out in a positive manner.
Jackson, San Francisco's top pick of the 2022 draft, has underwhelmed the last two seasons and has spent the latter half of his first two pro seasons inactive or on an injury list.
2024 is likely his last shot with the 49ers.