49ers 2020 undrafted free-agent class and their roster chances

Offense

Broc Rutter, Quarterback, North Central

Broc Rutter is a quarterback from North Central.

That concludes everything I knew about the man before the research began to write this article.

Not exactly a heralded prospect, Rutter still has some stats that pop out at you upon reading even for a D-III school.

In the last two seasons, Rutter had 8,118 yards, 86 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Not bad for a training camp quarterback.

Unfortunately for Rutter, his roster chances are minimal.

Even if by some horrible luck the quarterbacks ahead of him all get injured, the team is more likely to sign somebody to be an emergency starter rather than give the raw Rutter a start.

He is a good practice squad candidate, and if he’s a fast start he has a chance to stick on the roster given backup quarterbacks, Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard, are out of contract after this season.

Salvon Ahmed, Running Back, Washington

With the success the 49ers have had finding steals at the position, it’s no shock San Francisco signed two UDFA running backs.

The Niners like to carry four running backs on the roster, and Jerick McKinnon has an unfortunate history of not getting onto the field. With Salvon Ahmed or fellow UDFA JaMycal Hasty, there’s a chance for someone to get onto the roster alongside Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman and Jeff Wilson.

Ahmed is very slippery and looks to have potential as a home-run hitter, so there’s a chance for him to get onto the field in 2020 if he showcases his speed in training camp and the preseason.

JaMycal Hasty, Running Back, Oregon

The 49ers had a theme for their UDFA running backs this year, as Hasty comes from much of the same mold as Ahmed. Both running backs are very elusive and slippery and have the potential to break for six points at any stage.

One other thing they can both do is catch the football. We saw with Wilson’s touchdown against Arizona last season exactly what a threat out of the backfield can do.

If McKinnon is not healthy, it’s going to be an interesting battle between Hasty and Ahmed for that fourth running back spot. If I had to bet on which it could be, I would probably just favor Hasty to make the roster.

Josh Hokit, Fullback, Fresno State

It’s interesting to see Josh Hokit is listed as a fullback, given he’s relatively small at 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, but there is something there that could be used as a basis for future development.

Hokit ran only 75 times in his senior year but had nine touchdowns, he also had a further touchdown on a reception. He has goal-line back potential if nothing else.

But he looks to be on the outside looking in, as the 49ers are set with Kyle Juszczyk at fullback and the team needing a speedier option at running back.

But if Juszczyk is hurt, he could possibly be called upon if he impresses in camp at some point.

Chris Finke, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

At 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, Chris Finke is probably only a slot receiver for the NFL level. But after a collegiate career where he had 90 catches for 1,027 yards and six touchdowns, he’s a slot receiver with potential.

With a 40 time of 4.57 seconds, Finke has a chance to develop nicely if he can settle into the complicated route tree typical of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

However, with a crowded group of wide receivers, Finke is very unlikely to find himself on the roster unless something unexpected happens.

That said, something unexpected does tend to happen with undrafted free agents on the 49ers.

Chase Harrell, Tight End, Arkansas

There’s been a focus on finding an upgrade at tight end behind 49ers star George Kittle in the offseason, so Chase Harrell has found himself in a good position to make an impact early.

A converted wide receiver who had a (frankly uninspiring) switch to tight end in his senior year, the 49ers are looking for Harrell to be a competent receiver and blocker.

There is a chance here to be the third tight end on the roster, however, or even the backup if he impresses during training camp. The new depths the 49ers offense could reach with a consistent second receiving tight end is intriguing.