49ers rookie offensive linemen getting tackle, guard work

The San Francisco 49ers rookies met with the media Friday afternoon, and they provided us some insight into potential roles for 2015 and beyond. Two of those players were offensive linemen Ian Silberman and Trenton Brown.

The 49ers spent a sixth round pick on Silberman and a seventh round pick on Brown. Neither is expected to get into the starting lineup anytime soon, but both have a chance to earn a reserve role on an offensive line seeing some turnover. During Friday's press conference, Silberman said the team had him working at guard, while Brown said the team had him working at right tackle.

The 49ers guard position will feature a new player opposite Alex Boone. Brandon Thomas is the favorite to land the role, with Joe Looney and Erik Pears leading the group competing for the role. Silberman is likely going to end up on the practice squad, but given his inexpensive contract and young age, if he can impress the next four months could lead to a surprise come final cuts. I don't expect him to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, but it is not entirely out of the realm of the possible.

The 49ers tackle position is much more secure, with Joe Staley and Anthony Davis locked in at the starting roles. The 49ers might make a move away from either of them down the road, but they will be starting in 2015. However, the swing tackle role is a little more interesting. Jonathan Martin served in that role a year ago, but was waived this offseason. Erik Pears likely leads the competition for that utility role, but again, if Brown can impress, maybe the 49ers go with the younger option. Odds are long, and he is probably ticketed for the practice squad, but maybe he surprises us.

With both youngsters, the odds are pretty long of making the roster this year. They will likely get nothing more than second half preseason action, but they have OTAs, minicamp and training camp to prove otherwise.