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.
Over/under on number of “who” comments is set at 3! One of the reasons we go through the 90-in-90 series is so people know who some of these under-the-radar guys are. People love talking about the big names, but come the fourth quarter of the preseason, you’re not seeing many of the big names, you’re seeing the Wynton McManis’ of the world!
The 49ers signed McManis as an undrafted free agent, but after their initial haul. The team released outside linebacker Kevin Anderson on May 12 to make room for McManis. The 49ers had signed Anderson as a UDFA a week earlier. They had not addressed the inside linebacker position in the offseason, other than signing Ray-Ray Armstrong to a one-year contract extension.
There is not a lot of information out there about McManis, and no scouting reports. He measured in at 6’0, 237 pounds at his Pro Day, but the 49ers list him at 6’1 225 pounds. That doesn’t seem like ideal size at inside linebacker, but Armstrong is listed at 220 pounds, so make of that what you will. Here’s what the 49ers had to say in their press release announcing the signing.
McManis (6-1, 225) appeared in 47 games and registered 110 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks during his four-year career at the University of Memphis (2012-15). In 2015, he appeared in 13 games and recorded 62 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and one fumble recovery. In 2014, he saw action in 10 games and registered 20 tackles, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His sophomore season, he appeared in 12 games and had one tackle. As a freshman in 2012, he played in 12 games and registered 27 tackles, 2.5 TFLs and 1 INT. A 21-year-old native of Olive Branch, MS, McManis attended Olive Branch High School.
Basic info
Age: 21 (22 on September 20)
Experience: Rookie
Height: 6’1
Weight: 225 lbs
Cap Status
He signed a three-year deal, with base salaries of $450,000, $540,000, and $630,000. We do not know if he received a signing bonus. If he did, it would likely be under five figures.
What to expect in 2016?
He’s a longshot to make the roster. If he wants any chance of making the 49ers roster, he needs to shine on special teams. And shine in a big way. In reality, he is competing for a shot at the practice squad. NaVorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, and Gerald Hodges are all just about set at the top of the depth chart, with Ray-Ray Armstrong also in the mix. Wilhoite, Hodges, and Armstrong are all free agents next spring, so maybe a strong showing in camp could get McManis a bigger chance in 2017.
Odds of making the roster
Mostly see above. Kendall Gaskins was the last person added to the 90-man roster, but you could make a strong argument that McManis is effectively the 90th man for the time being.