SF 49ers: Odds of each rookie making 53-man roster in 2020

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Defensive End Darrion Daniels #79 from Nebraska (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

The SF 49ers’ Undrafted Free Agents

Like seventh-round picks, undrafted free agents always have a tough time making their way to the 53-man roster in year one. True, the 49ers have found some gems here and there, namely running back Matt Breida and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne in 2017. But the vast majority have been little more than training camp bodies with the realistic hope of merely making the practice squad.

Even as training camp has moved along, a number of the originally signed UDFAs have been waived. But these still have modest chances, particularly if injuries become a factor.

SF 49ers Defensive Tackle Darrion Daniels: 15-to-1

The Niners are thin along their defensive line with a number of returning veterans coming back from injury.

That could open up a door for Darrion Daniels, who has impressed well enough during training camp with second- and third-team units. But there are far too many established players to overcome for Daniels to have a strong shot of doing anything beyond making the practice squad right away.

SF 49ers Defensive Back Evan Foster: 20-to-1

Evan Foster wasn’t an initial UDFA signee, rather brought aboard to bolster the depth chart within the secondary.

San Francisco has injuries and questions here, too, but the projected starting and second-team crops have been performing more than well enough in training camp.

SF 49ers Tight End Chase Harrell: 30-to-1

If the situation with Charlie Woerner revealed anything, it’s the 49ers already have enough bodies at tight end to consider a raw-but-promising UDFA like Chase Harrell.

Harrell blew away scouts with his impressive pro day numbers. But he’s extremely raw and will need at least a year’s worth of refinement on the practice squad. Perhaps that’s where he hones his skills.

SF 49ers Running Back JaMycal Hasty: 5-to-1

Out of all the UDFAs, JaMycal Hasty stands the best chance to hang around into Week 1 or at least find himself a midseason call-up in case one of the Niners’ other veteran running backs goes down with an injury.

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The question falls on Kyle Shanahan again. Should he go with the bigger-bodied Jeff Wilson as the No. 4 runner on the depth chart? Or would Shanahan prefer Hasty’s multi-cut scatback abilities?

The latter could apply, as Hasty might be too enticing to risk slipping through waivers and onto the practice squad.

SF 49ers Fullback Josh Hokit: 50-to-1

The SF 49ers won’t keep two fullbacks on their 53-man roster as long as the starter, Kyle Juszczyk, is fully healthy.

This means Josh Hokit won’t make the cut unless Juszczyk is injured into the regular season, although it’s a thought the Niners may be trying to groom the former into a would-be replacement, as Juszczyk is entering a contract year.

SF 49ers Defensive Back Jared Mayden: 25-to-1

Jared Mayden primarily played strong safety at Alabama, which could be a long-term need for San Francisco depending on what happens with the starter, Jaquiski Tartt, when he hits free agency in 2021.

In the meantime, Mayden will have the longest of roads to overcome veteran safeties, Johnathan Cyprien and Marcell Harris, which doesn’t appear to be likely.

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As far as long-term developmental depth, though, Mayden might be worth stashing on the practice squad for at least the upcoming season.