Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, stats for 2018

By Aaron Tan

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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49ers 2018 Undrafted Free Agents
SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 19: Tarvarus McFadden #4 of the Florida State Seminoles makes an interception on a pass intended for Amba Etta-Tawo #7 of the Syracuse Orange during the second quarter on November 19, 2016 at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Notable Undrafted Free Agents

Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden

Tarvarus McFadden, cornerback out of Florida State University — or DBU (Defensive Back University) — should have been drafted. A year ago, he was projected to be a top cornerback in this year’s draft. However, his 2017 season was mediocre and his poor combine contributed to him being undrafted.

However, McFadden has incredible potential for a defensive back. He has a knack for finding the ball and plays superior coverage on receivers. His size will give him an advantage over any opposing receiver in the NFL and will be a crucial piece in the future of this team.

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Like most rookies on this list, I do not believe that McFadden will get much playing time barring an injury to Richard Sherman and/or Ahkello Witherspoon, but he will make the roster and make for good secondary depth.

Wide Receiver Steven Dunbar

The first thing that came to my mind while watching Steven Dunbar’s tape was these two words: Julio Jones.

Yes, laugh at me all you want, but Dunbar actually reminds me of Jones. It is not just because of his large size at 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds that reminds me of Jones, too.

Dunbar is a true red-zone target, who is quick and crisp at running routes, often creating separation from his defenders. He has great hands as well and can catch any fade/contested ball.

I am really excited about Dunbar. Again, he is in a crowded receiver depth chart, so it will be hard for him to get any playing time on the field, but he has real potential to develop into a star — a true No. 1 receiver.

Next: 49ers execute fifth-year option for Armstead

And when you can get that in an undrafted free agent, you have already won.