Identifying San Francisco 49ers on the roster bubble

Which players on right on the bubble of the San Francisco 49ers 2025 roster?

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Sam Okuayinonu (91) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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San Francisco 49ers

We recently broke down the San Francisco 49ers roster to identify locks to make the 53-man roster. With 43 locks, 10 players are sitting on the bubble that will make it. Which players are on the bubble, and which of them have the best chance to make the roster?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (14) throws a pass during a team OTA at Levi's Stadium. — Jun 11, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (14) throws a pass during a team OTA at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Quarterback (0)

Kurtis Rourke will likely start the season with an injury designation, and Tanner Mordecai will be on the practice squad.

San Francisco 49ers running back Corey Kiner (49) runs a play from scrimmage during an OTA at Levi's Stadium. — Jun 10, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Corey Kiner (49) runs a play from scrimmage during an OTA at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Running back (2)

Corey Kiner, Patrick Taylor

Corey Kiner is a sleeper to make the team, and Patrick Taylor made it last year.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (7) makes a leaping catch during passing drills on the first day of t — Jul 23, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (7) makes a leaping catch during passing drills on the first day of training camp at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Wide Receiver (3):

Junior Bergen, Isaiah Neyor, Equanimeous St. Brown

Two rookies and a potential veteran who could sneak on due to special teams value.

San Francisco 49ers tight end Brayden Willis (9) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. — Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Brayden Willis (9) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Tight End (1):

Brayden Willis

Can the versatile tight end force himself onto the roster again?

San Francisco 49ers center Drake Nugent (66) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. — Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Drake Nugent (66) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Offensive line (5):

Matt Hennessy, Nick Zakelj, Andre Dillard, Connor Colby, Drake Nugent

Two or three of these linemen are going to make the roster. Colby could push guys like Zakelj and Dillard, while Nugent could push Hennessy, making none of them locks.

Edge rusher (2)

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Sam Okuayinonu (91) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. — Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Sam Okuayinonu (91) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sam Okuayinonu, Robert Beal

Okuayinonu may be the #1 player on the bubble, making him a near lock.

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kalia Davis (93) works on his pass rushing skills during the second day of training camp — Jul 24, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kalia Davis (93) works on his pass rushing skills during the second day of training camp. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Interior Defensive Line (3)

Evan Anderson, Kalia Davis, Kevin Givens

The question is which one or two of these three make the team.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune (48) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. — Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune (48) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Linebacker (3)

Taum Bethune, Curtis Robinson, Jalen Graham

The 49ers likely have two spots for these three players.

Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) warms up prior to a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. — Oct 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) warms up prior to a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images | Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Cornerback (1)

Jakob Robinson

The UDFA from BYU could make the team if he can win the backup slot job.

Kansas State Wildcats safety Marques Sigle (21) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. — Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas State Wildcats safety Marques Sigle (21) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Safety (1)

Marques Sigle

Sigle is a lock if Malik Mustapha starts the season with an injury designation and may be a lock regardless with a fifth-round draft designation.

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Published Jul 27, 2025

Parker Hurley

Parker Hurley is a Pittsburgh native and IUP alumni with a deep-rooted passion for football and a decade of experience analyzing the game. Since 2016, he had extensively covered the Chicago Bears, serving as the site manager for Bear Goggles On from 2017 to 2023. During that time, Parker published hundreds of articles per month and led content strategy across written, audio, and video formats. Parker has also produced podcasts, blogs, and YouTube content focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL betting trends, and league-wide analysis. His work blends film breakdowns, statistical insight, and timely news reaction to deliver clear, actionable content for fans and bettors alike. Now, Parker contributes NFL coverage across multiple platforms, expanding his scope to include teams like the San Francisco 49ers and broader NFL narratives. Whether he’s analyzing rookie development or evaluating playoff contenders, Parker’s top priority is helping readers understand the game on a deeper level. He brings passion, clarity, and consistency to everything he writes, always aiming to educate, engage, and elevate the football conversation.

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