The San Francisco 49ers reportedly agreed to terms with eight undrafted free agents Saturday evening, but they are adding some additional bodies to the roster. Aaron Wilson reported the team signed Alabama defensive tackle Darren Lake. Now, Matt Barrows is reporting the team signed Oregon defensive tackle Alex Balducci. They don't have room for ten players, so two of these guys are likely tryout candidates.
The addition of Balducci actually reunites the entire Oregon 3-4 defensive line from 2014. That season, Balducci was the starting nose guard, and DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead started at the end positions. We know Chip Kelly likes his Oregon Ducks, so I suppose we should not be shocked the team signed a UDFA Duck.
The 49ers added considerable depth to the defensive line, but Balducci is still in an interesting situation. Given his time as a nose guard, the 49ers situation provides an opening for him. Ian Williams is rehabbing his ankle surgeries right now. He might be ready for the start of the season, but we won't get a better idea until the team announces any PUP/NFI players at the start of training camp.
If Williams opens camp on the PUP list, it opens the door for another nose tackle. Mike Purcell and Garrison Smith would get a lot of early work at nose tackle. Quinton Dial and Tony Jerod-Eddie can rotate to the middle, but Purcell and Smith would likely get more regular time there. Balducci is likely competing for a practice squad spot, but he does have an opportunity given the Williams injury.