Four Players Who Are Eyeing the 49ers 53-Man Roster After Their Preseason Loss
The 49ers’ first official game of the 2025 season couldn’t have gone much worse for San Francisco as they fell to the Denver Broncos in a lopsided 30-9 score. The starters didn’t see the field in this game, while the backups held their own for about a quarter before the Broncos unleashed 30 unanswered points. It was an overall underwhelming showing from the offense. However, on the defensive side of the ball, many players shined in hopes to compete and begin the steps toward earning a place on the team’s 53-man roster.
1. Chase Lucas
With all the 49ers’ recent depth additions in the secondary, cornerback Chase Lucas jumped off the screen the most from the first defensive possession. Lucas recorded eight tackles in his time on the field, playing a huge impact in San Francisco, grabbing an early 9-0 lead. On a blitz package drawn up by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Lucas flew in for the pressure on Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in his own endzone, causing him to throw it away while giving up a safety. It was a telling play as the team’s defensive backups, led by Lucas, began to shut down Denver’s starting offense. Lucas would have several other strong plays, which boosted his performance, including a fantastic pass breakup in coverage on a Nix throw intended for wide receiver Troy Franklin. Lucas may not have a major impact on the roster as a corner, but as a reliable special teamer, he’s beginning to prove he would be more than capable.
2. Marques Sigle
Out of all the 49ers rookies who’ve looked great throughout training camp, none of them stood out as much as sixth-round rookie safety Marques Sigle. There hasn’t been much noise around Sigle during camp. However, that should change after his performance. Similarly to Lucas, from the first possession, Sigle was noticeable early on each and every play. He was glued to the ball in the run game, and in one full quarter of game action, Sigle flew in for seven total tackles before leaving with a knee injury in the second quarter. Last season, fourth-round rookie safety Malik Mustapha impressed in his first preseason game, immediately earning a spot as an impactful contributor in the secondary. Sigle could very well put himself in a similar situation by the time the regular season begins.
3. Tatum Bethune
Outside of Fred Warner, the linebacker position is very intriguing for the 49ers heading into the 2025 season. Third-year linebacker Dee Winters seems to be earning linebacker two day by day in camp. However, the importance of a third linebacker in the 49ers’ defense is key. Second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune looks to be stepping up to take that role. On Saturday, he was constantly around the ball, recording six total tackles. With third-round rookie Nick Martin failing to impress in his first appearance in the red and gold, it could be his spot to lose while Martin continues to become acclimated. Not to mention, Warner has praised Bethune’s development over the past season, only preparing us for his potential impact.
4. Sebastian Valdez
The interior of the defensive line has three rookies on the depth chart at this point in the offseason. The two drafted rookies in Alfred Collins and CJ West, have had their moments during training camp. However, the attention on them has overshadowed the underrated offseason UDFA rookie Sebastian Valdez is producing. This level of consistency continued in his first preseason game as he filled the stat sheet with four tackles, a tackle for loss, half a sack, and a quarterback hit. Valdez began showing the power and relentlessness he had displayed in the days leading up to the game. Despite the 49ers’ interior defensive line depth, another great showing should give Valdez a real chance to make the roster.
