Each year, we run a series of post called "90-in-90" here at Niners Nation. The idea is that we'll take a look at every single player on the roster, from the very bottom to the top and break them down a few different ways. This is to help give everyone a basic understanding of a roster. Of course, this roster will change, and some days we'll have more than one so it's not strictly one per day but you get the idea.
Only four more 90-in-90 posts after today! We have our last video version of the feature, with socalisteph taking a look at Ian Williams. You can view it above, and Fooch has added some comments below.
The 49ers have a chance at having some solid depth along the defensive line, and injuries will make that depth quite necessary. Ian Williams and Glenn Dorsey are dealing with injuries that likely will result in them opening training camp on the PUP list. Their respective statuses for Week 1 are unknown at this time. The 49ers have options behind them, but getting both back would be huge for line depth.
Basic Info:
Age: 26 (27 on August 31)
Height: 6’1
Weight: 305
Experience: 5 accrued seasons
Cap Status:
The 49ers signed Williams to a five-year extension this offseason, but his ankle surgeries resulted in a one-year deal. He will earn $1 million in base salary, and the rest of the deal will be made up of playing time incentives and game-day roster bonuses totaling $5 million.
Why he could improve:
Last year marked the first season Ian Williams has played in and started 16 games. He was inactive his rookie season, and then active for three regular season games in 2012. He moved into the starting lineup in 2013, but suffered a broken ankle in Week 2. He returned in 2014, but suffered a fractured fibula in Week 10, and was lost for the season. He started every game last year, which gives him something to build on this season. He needs to get his ankle healthy, but if he can get back on the field early in the year, he could take what he learned last season and build on it, particularly being surrounded with more talent.
Why he could regress:
It comes down to the ankle. If he’s healthy, I think he should be solid. But if the ankle acts up, it becomes a big question of not only when he can return, but if he can stay consistently healthy for an extended stretch of time.
Odds of making the roster:
He is going to make the roster. The bigger question is how long he stays on the PUP list. The 49ers have not announced the Active/PUP designations, but it is almost certain Williams will open camp on the list. Will he open the regular season on it, and thus miss at least six weeks, or will he get into action before the end of training camp?