Each year, we run a series of post called "90-in-90" here at Niners Nation. The idea is that we'll take a look at every single player on the roster, from the very bottom to the top and break them down a few different ways. This is to help give everyone a basic understanding of a roster. Of course, this roster will change, and some days we'll have more than one so it's not strictly one per day but you get the idea.
The San Francisco 49ers dealt with numerous issues of inconsistency in the 2015 pass rush. Instead of adding an outside linebacker in the draft, the team added DeForest Buckner to the defensive line. Although an edge rusher would certainly have helped, Buckner will add a serious presence to the pass rush up front, and likely help the OLBs behind him.
That being said, the 49ers did add some diamonds in the rough through undrafted free agency. The team signed Jason Fanaika, Lenny Jones, and Kevin Anderson. They later released Anderson to make room for inside linebacker Wynton McManis. Fanaika is a particularly interesting signing because he got the second most guaranteed money among the 49ers UDFAs. He received a $15,000 signing bonus, and a $35,000 base salary guarantee. If he is cut during training camp and signs with the practice squad, his PS salary would offset that $35,000 guarantee.
Fanaika is one of the bigger projected 3-4 outside linebackers, at 270 pounds. That’s on the heavy end even for the 49ers bigger OLBs. Scouting reports suggested he was playing a bit heavy last year, so it will be interesting to see what happens in the 49ers strength, conditioning, and nutrition programs heading into training camp.
Scouting reports
Basic info
Age: 24
Experience: Rookie
Height: 6’3
Weight: 270 lbs
Cap status
Fanaika signed a three-year UDFA deal, with a $15,000 signing bonus, and $35,000 in a base salary guarantee. If he makes the 49ers roster in 2016, he will earn a base salary of $450,000, and have a cap hit of $455,000.
What to expect in 2016
We should probably expect to see him on the practice squad in 2016. The base salary guarantee would indicate he is a guy the 49ers will want to take some time to develop if he does not earn a roster spot as a rookie. I imagine we see a lot of him in the third and fourth quarter of preseason games. If he does make the roster, it would likely require significant special teams contributions.
Odds of making the roster
If Ahmad Brooks remains on the roster, Fanaika’s chances are pretty slim. He could surpass Corey Lemonier on the depth chart, but even if that happens, the 49ers OLB depth chart includes Brooks, Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold, and Tank Carradine. Fanaika will be competing with Lemonier, Marcus Rush, and Lenny Jones for a chance at one of the last spots on the roster. I see him as weak bubble for the time being.