Quinton

Dial

Green Bay needs another option on the defensive line after placing Muhammad Wilkerson on injured reserve. Dial wasn’t signed following his workout, but he’s reportedly a “definite” option to fill Wilkerson’s spot. Dial is familiar with the Packers’ defensive scheme stemming from his stint with the team just last year.

A solid but unspectacular talent, Dial is considered “50-50" by CSN Bay Area to make the team. Dial will likely be a five-technique end on defense, but he’ll be a regular game-day inactive if he manages to crack the 53-man roster.

Dial visited the 49ers during the pre-draft process. He will most likely play the five technique end spot in the 49ers three man front. There’s nothing flashy about Dial’s game, but he flashes an anchor and was a consistent player at Alabama. Dial only registered eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Beat writer Matt Maiocco puts Dial’s odds of making the team at 50-50. Fifth-round picks generally make the roster, but are never locks. Dial is part of an 11-man 49ers’ draft class, leaving him even less room for error than usual.

Lattimore’s knee issues are well-documented, Carradine is on the mend from ACL surgery, Marquardt underwent foot surgery in April, and Dial had toe surgery in January. Lattimore is the only one that may not do much this summer.

Knee sprains usually carry a two-to-four week timetable, which puts Dial’s Week 1 status in serious doubt. Dial started the first two preseason games at right end.

It’s a bit surprising since Dial’s injury occurred only four days ago, but the word comes straight from coach Chip Kelly. Dial could have a key rotational role along San Francisco’s outrageously-thin defensive line.

Dial was given a three-year extension which included a $3.3 million signing bonus last February, but he is no longer a fit with the new coaching staff. He should latch on somewhere else.

Green Bay seems to be making a point of signing 49ers cast offs after adding OLB Ahmad Brooks last week. Dial is a solid player, but he did not fit in San Francisco’s new defensive scheme. That would not be a problem with the Packers.

Dial never rose above rotational status in San Francisco, but was decent as a situational player. Dial has only 4.5 career sacks, but occupies space with his 6-foot-5 frame, and is sturdy against the run.