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 Fooch is a crazy person who manages this blog with no rhyme or reason and it's worked so far. Who am I to argue?
We've made it! Barring any additions in the coming weeks, this marks the final article in the 90-in-90 series. We've been rolling primarily through rookies the last couple weeks, and I would actually say it is fitting to end with one of the last few players added to the roster.
The San Francisco 49ers announcing the signing of Ben Gottschalk to the 90-man roster on June 15. He signed a two-year deal, joining rookie kicker Corey Acosta and rookie wide receiver Mario Hull as the last three additions to the current roster.
Gottschalk is entering his second year in the NFL. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent a year ago. He spent a week on their practice squad before being released. He did not join another team the rest of the season. In the spring, he was one of 150 players to take part in the inaugural veteran's combine in Arizona. His workout led to him signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 8, but he was later waived on May 28.
Gottschalk attended Southern Methodist, and at the school's Pro Day, he measured in at 6'3, 299 pounds. Draft Insider had a scouting report, and then a few more thoughts on Gottschalk. According to the scouting report, he played at both guard and tackle. He showed solid fundamentals, but lacks the necessary size and strength at this point. Of course, standing over 6'3, he could have some space on his frame to add some weight. Here is a quick summation from Draft Insider.
Limited athlete with marginal upside. Understands blocking angles, body positioning and makes the most of his skill but may be nothing other than practice squad fodder.
What to expect in 2015:
My expectation is he is competing to avoid the cut down to 75 players. The 49ers will probably keep one or two offensive linemen on their practice squad, but Gottschalk chances of even lasting that long seem rather slim. I would expect primarily late third and fourth quarter work for him in the preseason.
Odds of making the roster:
I'd say among the lowest on the roster. The 49ers will cut down to 75 players on September 1, before cutting down to 53 on September 5. The trio of players signed in June (Gottschalk, Acosta, Hull) are all candidates to be part of that initial cutdown. I imagine at least one more of the UDFA receivers will be part of that group. Beyond that, maybe we see a trade, and of course, if there have been any notable injuries, the team can move players to regular season injury lists.