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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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Oct 3, 2015; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack defensive end Lenny Jones (94) celebrates his tipped ball forcing UNLV to punt during the third quarter of their NCAA football game with the UNLV Rebels at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports. UNLV won 23-17
Oct 3, 2015; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack defensive end Lenny Jones (94) celebrates his tipped ball forcing UNLV to punt during the third quarter of their NCAA football game with the UNLV Rebels at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports. UNLV won 23-17 /

Lenny Jones, OLB, Nevada

The 49ers struggled to stop the run and sack the quarterback last year, ranking near the very bottom in effectively doing so.

Nevada’s Lenny Jones has developed into a force at both, according to Reno Gazette-Journal’s Chris Murray:

"There’s no doubting his impact on the Wolf Pack. Jones is the driving force behind Nevada’s energy on defense. When Jones practices and plays well, the defense does the same. Jones is equally as good in the run game as the pass game. Thanks to his patience and ability to use his hands to get offensive linemen off-balance, Jones has developed into a menacing pass rusher."

Outside of 49ers outside linebackers Aaron Lynch and Eli Harold, whom are both young and seem primed for starting roles, the competition at the position should be substantial.

Ahmad Brooks has become less effective each season while simultaneously costing more, and Corey Lemonier has been unable to climb the depth chart and provide any impact.

Should Lenny Jones outperform is expectations during training camp, he has a very real shot at forcing a veteran off the team and finding a spot amongst the final 53.

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