10 Undrafted Free Agents for the 49ers

Last year the 49ers nearly signed LeGarrette Blount as an undrafted free agent but lost out to the Titans who ultimately cut Blount in training camp and thus allowed him to go onto lead all NFL rookie RBs with the Bucs.  The 49ers had the right idea, if only they had closed the deal!  There are still stars out there that went undrafted and will find success in the NFL. 

Here are 10 undrafted Free Agents the 49'ers should bring into camp to compete for spots on the team  FIve on offense and five on defense.

Offense:

#1 Kai Forbath, K, UCLA:  Odd to start with a kicker, but there was speculation before the draft that the 49'ers would take Kai who is a Lou Groza award winner and automatic within the 40.  With Nedney getting close to 40 years old and Jeff Reed also north of 30, Kai would bring youth and accuracy to the kicking game for the next decade.

#2 Justin Boren, G, Ohio State:  Justin was first team all big-10 and has plenty of big time college starting experience in different OL positions from Ohio and Michigan from which he transferred.  He plays with a nasty streak and you better believe he'll play motivated after getting passed over in the draft.  Justin has as good a chance as drafted rookies Daniel Kilgore and Mike Person of making the team and between the three of them they should push Chilo Rachal to another level or take his job.  I like the thought of having his meanness and versatility in the mix on our O line even as a backup.

#3 Andre Holmes, WR, Hillsdale College:  Andre is a potential gem with 6'4", 210lb size and 4.5 speed.  With NFL coaching and 10 lbs of muscle, he could present matchup problems for NFL defenses.  He only started playing football as a senior in high school and went on to break every record in the 119 year history of Hillsdale College including 104 receptions in a single season.  I hope for another Brandon Marshall with Andre who is a big, strong, and a capable receiver.  His presence would put Ted Ginn Jr, Kyle Williams or Dominque Zeigler on the bubble with only one of them likely joining Michael Crabtree, Ronald Johnson in the slot, Josh Morgan,  and Andre Holmes to exploit small DBs, as the 53-man roster WRs.  Andre is a guy Coach Harbaugh could effectively use to create mismatches. 

#4 Scott Tolzien, QB, Wisconsin: Tolzien had a 72% completion rating but the scouts say he doesn't have the arm or legs to make it at the next level.  At a minimum he'll be a dependable NFL backup that can enter a game without being a major liability.  What I'm hoping we get with Scott is someone who uses his accuracy and intangibles to exceed everyone's expectations like Brady or Montana.  With Tolzien's addition, the 49ers 2011 QBs could be Smith, Kaepernick, and Tolzien.  Not a lot of veteran comfort there, but I'd rather spin the dial on another rookie than watch David Carr enter a game.  The 9ers could also stash Tolzien on the scout team and bring in another veteran QB.

#5 Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina: If not for a little youthful indiscretion, Saunders might have finished the season as the top ranked TE prospect and been drafted in the 1st or 2nd round.  Instead, he was kicked off his team for lying about contact with agents and went undrafted.  At 6'5" 270lbs, Weslye provides the kind of TE matchup problems that Coach Harbaugh would love.  He’s an Antonio Gates type player who can use his size and hands to exploit defenses.  With Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, and Nate Byham, the 49ers would add to their wealth of riches at TE.  The addition of Wesley could but Byham on the bubble.   The fact that he has a foot injury that he just had surgery on will mean fewer suitors for the 49ers to compete against in signing this undrafted free agent.

Defense:

#1 Kendrick Burney, CB, North Carolina: Kendrick was the highest rated undrafted player on www.nfl.com.  He's an explosive player that was expected to get drafted on the second day, but fell due to his size.  He's 5'9", 186 lbs, but makes big plays, isn't afraid to hit, and stood out at the Senior bowl.  He could make the team as a nickel back and special teamer.  The team who overlooks his size deficiencies might get themselves a really good player.

#2 Deandre McDaniel, S, Clemson:  Some questions about his ability in cover, but Deandre's a solid football player who excels against the run.  He has risen from a tough upbringing to become an honor roll student and captain on the Clemson team.  He made 1st team all American in 2009 with 102 tackles and 8 interceptions.  Deandre's a guy who has enough size (6'0", 217 lbs) and speed (4.65 40yd) to push for a spot on the team.

#3 Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina: Deunta has the speed and size to cut it at the next level.  A broken leg in the January Music City Bowl is the reason he got passed over in the draft.  He's a smart, athletic player, with a reputation for making big plays and racking up tackles.  Deunta can push our veterans for a spot on this team as at 6’2”, 205lbs with 4.5 speed, he's slightly bigger and slightly faster than Dashon Goldson.

#4 Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame:  If not for a late season knee injury this powerful and stout Notre Dame NT would have surely been drafted.  Many teams have interest in Ian, including the 49ers that reportedly called him in the 7th round but went with Bruce Miller instead.  You might need to stash Ian at first while the knee heals, but he gives you another big body to plug into the D line if we can't retain Aubrayo Franklin.

#5 Thomas Keiser, LB, Stanford:  Keiser declared early to enter the draft and then was passed over for both the Combine and on draft day.  He's possibly regretting his decision now, but I'm surprised he went undrafted after the way he played in big games for Stanford.  He plays smart and at a minimum should be a special team asset.  Given his familiarity with the 49ers coaching staff and new system, I expect he’ll get a look.

Other Undrafted Free Agents the 49ers might consider: Kristopher O’Dowd, C, USC;  Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware; Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State; Terrence Toliver, WR, LSU; Alex Linnenkohl, C, Oregon St.;  Zach Hurd, G, Conn.;  Adrian Moten, OLB, Maryland; Henry Hynoski, FB, Pitt.