49ers news: 3 takeaways from 2022 rookie minicamp

No. 3: Keke Chism may be the pick of 49ers tryouts

When you’re an undrafted free agent, as opposed to a higher draft pick such as Danny Gray, you need to take advantage of the chances you’re given.

When you’re essentially the NFL version of a walk-on, not even with UDFA status, that goes even further.

I mean, just getting your name in print would be an impressive feat in itself. But wide receiver Keke Chism may have just done that and gotten the 49ers’ attention in doing so.

In covering the initial practice of the minicamp, Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn honed in on Chism and his potential, pointing out:

"He made the best catch of the day — a leaping, twisting 20-yard back-shoulder fade. Made it look easy. Chism also caught two passes running full speed over the middle and gained Y.A.C. He’s a 6’5″ tryout guy who isn’t even an undrafted free agent. The 49ers should give him a contract pronto."

Chism is a 6-foot-5 prospect out of Missouri, who recorded 41 catches for 511 yards and three touchdowns last season. The Niners haven’t had many receivers his size in recent seasons, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has given undrafted prospects a chance in the offense if they look like they can contribute.

While there’s been a lot of attention on offensive linemen Dohnovan West and Jason Poe, as well as safety Leon O’Neal on the undrafted front, Chism might be just as intriguing an option if San Francisco decides to look at him further.

Chism also tried out for the Green Bay Packers in their minicamp and looked good there as well, so the 49ers will have to be proactive or risk losing him to Green Bay.