Each year, we like to run a series of posts called "90-in-90." The idea is that we'll take a look at every player on the roster, from the very bottom to the top and break them down a few ways. This roster will certainly change, and some days we'll have more than one so it's not exactly 90 players in 90 days. At this point, it's a name we're keeping around for street cred.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted three players that had undergone surgery on their ACL in the previous year. Oklahoma fullback Trey Millard was the last of the three, selected with the 49ers final pick in the seventh round. Millard suffered his ACL tear in October, after playing in the Sooners' first eight games. In those games, he had 17 rushes for 97 yards and a touchdown, and 11 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. The team captain was also a special teams standout during his time at Oklahoma, with 32 special teams tackles for his career.
Millard stands 6'2, adn weighs 247 pounds. He has the size to play just about anywhere on offense, and he did so in his time at Oklahoma. He operated in an h-back role, moving between tight end, fullback, running back, and even a little wide receiver. Here are some scouting reports from before and after the draft:
Niners Nation
Draft Insider
NFL.com
What to expect in 2014:
The 49ers placed Millard on the NFI list to start training camp, as he continues his rehab from October ACL surgery. It is not out of the realm of the possible for him to get activated from the NFI list before the end of the season. However, while it is possible, it seems unlikely if the 49ers remain healthy. Bruce Miller appears to be fully recovered from his scapula injury. If he is good to go, he and Vance McDonald would seem to be able to handle a lot of what Millard can do. If either gets hurt, Millard could find himself active, if his rehab continues at what appears to be a fairly normal pace.
For Millard, it gets more interesting in 2015. It seems unlikely that the 49ers would part ways with Miller or McDonald after this season. However, Millard provides an opportunity for that much more formation versatility, and can contribute extensively on special teams. I have a hunch a fully healthy Millard would find multiple roles on the 2015 49ers.
Odds of making the roster:
It seems a virtual certainty that he will open the season on the NFI list. That saves a roster spot, and allows the 49ers to potentially red shirt him all season. They could decide to activate him later in the year if they need to, but a season on the NFI list seems the most likely result in 2014.