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.
The San Francisco 49ers invest quite a bit in the offensive line in free agency this offseason, albeit with journeyman type linemen. The 49ers signed Garry Gilliam, Tim Barnes, and Brandon Fusco, but ignored the position in the draft. After the draft ended, the 49ers added J.P. Flynn, Evan Goodman, Erik Magnuson, and Richard Levy in undrafted free agency.
That latter group will be competing for a practice squad spot, and potentially one of the last spots on the roster. They will be competing with each other and with one returning practice squad player, Norman Price.
The 49ers signed Price as an undrafted free agent last May. He appeared in 23 games (20 starts) during two seasons at Southern Miss. He attended junior college prior to that. There’s not a lot of information out there about Price. He played primarily right tackle in college, and dealt with some weight issues. He seems to be in fairly good shape at this point, but it remains an uphill competition for him.
Basic info
Age: 22 (23 on August 15)
Experience: 0 accrued seasons
Height: 6’4
Weight: 311 lbs
Cap status
Signed reserve/future contract for two years, with base salaries of $465,000 (2017) and $555,000 (2018).
What to expect in 2017
It’s hard to expect much at this point. He faces a lot of competition along the offensive line, and even for a practice squad spot. My guess is he ends up released and the 49ers do not sign him to their practice. But, it’s still early, and he has time to prove himself. Price is the kind of player who could benefit from the decision to remove the cut to 75 players, as he could end up with a decent amount of preseason game four snaps, rather than released at the first cut.
Odds of making the roster
The 49ers will have extensive competition along the offensive line, but Price will need to show some semblance of versatility. At the 49ers open practice on Tuesday, he was getting work at right guard. He needs to be able to play at least a couple positions on the offensive line if he wants to have a chance of sticking around. I’d say he is probably closer to the long shots than the bubble.