Why 49ers undrafted cornerback Tarvarus McFadden will make the team in 2018

The San Francisco 49ers signed undrafted rookie defensive back Tarvarus McFadden following the 2018 NFL Draft. Niner Noise makes the case why the former Florida State Seminole will make the roster before the regular season commences.

Florida State cornerback Tarvarus McFadden never heard his name announced throughout the entire 2018 NFL Draft. As an undrafted free agent, McFadden signed with the San Francisco 49ers to compete for a roster spot in the secondary.

McFadden’s contract guarantees him a $90K salary for the 2018 season, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero.

The 6-foot-2 and 204-pound defensive back is currently one of the 49ers’ most heralded undrafted rookies. Projected to be a late-round draft choice, McFadden continuously fell down the draft board and did not receive a call until San Francisco reached out and expressed interest.

While his undrafted status might come as a surprise, McFadden’s slow 40-yard dash time may have contributed to his lowered draft stock. During the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, McFadden only ran at 4.67 seconds, which is considered slow for a cornerback.

Another red flag NFL teams may have determined was McFadden’s decline from his remarkable 2016 outing. McFadden went from totaling eight interceptions during that year to recording none in 2017.

However, McFadden did increase his number of total tackles and pass deflections between those two seasons:

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/7/2018.

Although he was undrafted, McFadden still has the opportunity to prove himself with the 49ers this offseason. Especially with his solid press-cover abilities, McFadden has a good chance to at least make the roster cut prior to the season opener.

San Francisco 49ers

McFadden’s tall and lanky body frame makes him an ideal fit under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s scheme. The 49ers prefer having length with their outside defenders, and McFadden clearly meets this criterion.

With his long wingspan, McFadden should be able to defend and disrupt some of the NFL’s big receivers. As long as he firmly grasps San Francisco’s Cover 3 system and improves his technique, McFadden should be in good shape.

A spot with the Niners also means McFadden can learn from one of the best corners to play the game. 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman could show McFadden players can still achieve success despite not being an early draft pick.

In a press conference during rookie minicamp, McFadden said, “I feel like I can come in and play in this scheme right away. And I’ve got somebody in Richard Sherman to learn from.”

While Sherman still recovers from a devastating Achilles injury in 2017, McFadden is a solid option for a backup cornerback. If he does well in training camp, McFadden might even see a few starts in 2018.

In addition, because teams passed up on him, McFadden will undoubtedly have a chip on his shoulder. His undrafted status could motivate him to push harder and play with more tenacity.

If McFadden can recreate his performance as a sophomore in 2016, he could become an excellent corner in this league. He’s in an optimal situation with the 49ers and their defensive system, but it’s up to McFadden if he will capitalize on the opportunity.

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With his physical attributes and schematic fit with San Francisco, it would be surprising if McFadden does not make the team in 2018. As long as he progresses upwards during training camp and seamlessly transitions into the NFL, McFadden should earn his roster spot with the 49ers.