San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, impact after 2017 NFL Draft
Undrafted Free Agents
When the draft concluded, the 49ers welcomed 18 undrafted free agents. You can expect a massive amount of cuts when they trim the roster to 90 players, but don’t expect them all to be undrafted rookies. This is a new regime with a new look offense and defense, but Shanahan has made it perfectly clear that the best man will win the job in every single situation.
Kendrick Bourne, WR, Eastern Washington
Bourne is one half of the best receiving duo in FCS history, he and Cooper Kupp cleaned up at Eastern Washington. He’s tall with good arm length and plays physical. Thats just what Kyle Shanahan is looking for.
K.D. Cannon, WR, Baylor
Cannon is an average runner, and is not the biggest man on the field, but he’s blazing fast and can stretch of defense. The 49ers had a busy free agency at wide receiver. If he wants to make the team, he needs to highlight his greatest attributes. It’s possible he can use that speed to contribute at the gunner position on special teams.
J. P. Flynn, OL, Montana State
The 49ers did not select a single offensive lineman in the draft. Clearly, they were not impressed with the prospects. Nonetheless, they need to upgrade that tire line. Flynn weighs over 300 pounds and put up 21 reps on the combine bench press. He’s worth a look.
Jimmie Gilbert, LB, Colorado
Gilbert’s entire immediate family plays basketball, so right off the bat genetics are on his side. He has outstanding athletic traits and long arms. He isn’t the best against the run, but he plays tough against the pass. For that trait alone, he may be worth keeping around as a special teams contributor.
Lorenzo Jerome, S, Saint Francis
In 2016, Jerome played hard all over the field. For the defense, he contributed six interceptions, 5.5 tackles-for-loss and 11 PBU’s. He added also 405 yards and a kickoff return for a touchdown on special teams. His versatility could land him on the 90-man roster.
Erik Magnuson, OT, Michigan
Magnuson is one of the more intriguing prospects on this list. He was a four-year starter on the Michigan offensive playing at both the guard and tackle position. He started every game in his senior season and earned All Big-Ten honors. He has good balance and footwork, and he’s patient enough to let the play develop into his block. Despite not being drafted, Magnuson could be a future starter in the NFL.
Darrell Williams, OT, Western Kentucky
At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds he could be an immovable force on the 49ers offensive line. If it’s one place they could use the most help, it’s at the guard position. Only time will tell, but he’s a definite possibility for the 90-man roster.
Zach Franklin, CB, Washburn
Franklin played all four years at Washburn appearing in 45 games and starting in his last 34 consecutive. He racked up 109 tackles and four interceptions. If he wants to make the team, he will need to catch on at special teams.
Bret Treadway, OL, Lamar
Described as one of the most athletic offensive lineman in the draft, Treadway has excellent work and excels in the zone blocking. His size was a concern heading into the draft. His height at 6-foot-3 is sufficient, but he only weighs 249 pounds, that’s an issue. Despite his athleticism, he’s long shot to make the 90-man roster.
Noble Nwachukwu, DE, West Virginia
He’s quick off the snap and has an excellent motor, but he’s a tweener and lacks a certain length desire to play the edge. Could compete for a back up role.
Tyler McCloskey, FB/TE Houston
He brings versatility to a team that needs an upgrade at many different positions. However, they are set at fullback with Juszczyk and competition is building quickly at the tight end position. Special teams is a possibility.
Malik Golden, S, Penn State
Golden has decent size and speed, but he’s a poor tackler and does not make enough plays to cover the deep ball. He lacks the proper attributes to make the squad.
Evan Goodman, OL, Arizona State
Goodman started 23 games in two years at left tackle. His style of play is aggressive, and he has excellent balance and body control. Due to the lack of stability across the offensive line he could certainly and up on the 90-man roster.
Cole Hikutini, TE, Louisville
Lamar Jackson’s favorite target. He has sure hands and is difficult to cover. Hikutini is another prospect that Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek should be leery of. He may end up being one of the better tight ends on the team. Kittle just may be the other one.
Donavin Newsom, LB, Missouri
Newsom is an instinctive three down defender who has enough speed to play sideline to sideline. However, he is undersized and doesn’t handle blocks well. He’s a longshot to make the 90-man roster.
Victor Bolden, WR, Oregon State
Bolden is an absolute athlete. He’s fast and ran hurdles in high school which turned into a sufficient role as a returner. But at 5-foot-8 and 178 pounds, he’s a bit undersized. Another long shot for the 90-man roster.
Matt Breida, RB, Georgia Southern
After two impressive seasons of a combined 3000 yards and an amazing 8.4 yard average, Brieda hit a wall in his senior season with 646 yards total. Even if he bounces back at the pro level, the 49ers have an lot of talent at running back. He may catch on somewhere, but it won’t be in Santa Clara.
Nick Mullens, QB, Southern Mississippi
Mullens is all heart and tough as nails. It’s hard to imagine him not making the team after he suffered a compound fracture and came back in to finish the game. However, he won’t pass Beathard on the depth chart. He could however go to the practice squad.
Next: San Francisco 49ers: Only eight 2016 starters may actually start in 2017
It should be an interesting battle across the board to say the least when it comes time to make the final cut. One thing is for sure, no one is safe as we inch closer to the 53-man roster.