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San Francisco 49ers: 5 UDFAs Who Might Make the Roster in 2016

By Rob Lowder

September 12, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89) runs against Central Florida Knights defensive back Shaquill Griffin (10) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 12, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89) runs against Central Florida Knights defensive back Shaquill Griffin (10) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers selected 11 players in the 2016 NFL Draft. Shortly after,12 undrafted free agents were also signed, whom all now face the steep uphill battle of making the 53-man roster. Will any prevail?

September 12, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89) runs against Central Florida Knights defensive back Shaquill Griffin (10) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 12, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89) runs against Central Florida Knights defensive back Shaquill Griffin (10) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

When the draft ends, a 32-team rush to sign the remaining players begins.

Many players that were given draftable grades by scouts and analysts have fallen through the cracks and it is up to general manager Trent Baalke to prioritize and target.

At the conclusion of the draft, the 49ers had eight open roster spots on the 90-man roster, but signed 12 undrafted free agents. In order to make room for new signees, kicker Corey Acosta, guard Jordan Devey, running back Kendall Gaskins and quarterback Dylan Thompson were released.

The 12 undrafted free agents signed by the 49ers are as follows:

  1. Devon Cajuste, TE/WR, Stanford
  2. Jay Fanaika, DE, Utah
  3. John Lunsford, K, Liberty
  4. Demetrius Cherry, DT, Arizona State
  5. Lenny Jones, DE, Nevada
  6. Jered Bell, S, Colorado
  7. Bryce Treggs, WR, Cal
  8. Alex Balducci, OL, Oregon
  9. Darren Lake, DL, Alabama
  10. Wynton McManis, LB, Memphis
  11. Blake Muir, OL, Baylor
  12. Norman Price, OL, Southern Mississippi

These 12 players, if commonality prevails, will either find themselves on the 49ers practice squad or hoping that another team is willing to give them a chance.

However, like starting nose tackle Ian Williams and cornerback Tramaine Brock, there is the small chance that an UDFA can outperform their expectations and fight their way on to the starting roster.

Which five hold the best chance?

Next: The Hybrid