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49ers NFL Draft: 3 UDFAs with best chance to make 2020 roster

By Robert Smith

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: JaMycal Hasty #6 of the Baylor Bears runs the ball past Tae Crowder #30 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: JaMycal Hasty #6 of the Baylor Bears runs the ball past Tae Crowder #30 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Crimson Tide . Jared Mayden. 2. player. 829. . Safety

The Alabama, safety Jared Mayden, product has good size, standing 6-foot0 and weighing 205 pounds, and he finished his senior year with 59 tackles and four interceptions.

He plays with good technique, recognition and anticipation. The knock on Mayden is a lack of athleticism, which may have precipitated his move from cornerback to safety last season. Yet Mayden is solid enough to perform in two-high coverage, which the 49ers’defense utilized frequently (depending on the opponent) while disguising Cover 2 that looks like a single-high before the snap.

Mayden had a fan in Daniel Jeremiah, the NFL Draft expert (h/t Sports Illustrated):

"I’m a fan of his. There’s a lot to like about him, and I think he’s a good player… He can play in the deep half, he can cover in the slot, he can match up with tight ends. He plays very aggressive. You’ll see the big hits. Just needs to do a better job of wrapping up and finishing some tackles, but he’s got good ball skills and he can run."

With strong safety Jaquiski Tartt heading into a contract year, and Jimmie Ward having a history of injuries, Mayden may have a chance to compete with Marcell Harris, Tarvarius Moore and D.J. Reed for a roster spot for the upcoming year.