Niner Noise takes a look at the 49ers’ five best undrafted free-agent signings thus far in the John Lynch era.
Every year, general managers in the NFL utilize a multitude of ways to improve their organization’s roster. There is free agency, the draft and, of course, the signing of undrafted free agents. These are typically players who were not drafted but are available for teams to sign after the draft.
Throughout the history of the league, some terrific undrafted players have become iconic. Some of those players include contemporary stars such as defensive lineman John Randle, quarterback Kurt Warner, wide receiver Wes Welker, EDGE James Harrison, quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Antonio Gates. These players proved it isn’t about where you got your start but what you did with the opportunity once it presented itself to them.
Since general manager John Lynch was brought in to run the San Francisco 49ers organization in 2017, there have been 39 UDFAs signed by the team, not including the 2020 class. This year’s signings include cornerback DeMarkus Acy, running back JaMycal Hasty and safety Jared Mayden, to name a few.
While their stories have yet to be written, Lynch and Co. have already had success with some of their previous signings. More than a handful of undrafted players have risen through the ranks since being relatively unknown commodities since Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan took over the reins back in 2017.
Who among these UDFA players has stood out the most, though?
So without further delay, we look at the five best undrafted players thus far during Lynch’s tenure.