Manny Lawson does blog entries for sf49ers.com and he discussed training camp and his status. With all the questions about his status, this seemed pertinent

Not that Cedric Benson was going to be a factor this year anyway. Still, enjoy the sweet smell of deserved or undeserved karma, regardless of which it may be.

Sounds like the plan is to start Balmer out at DE and then transition him to NT, hopefully after he puts a little weight on.