The end of the 2017 NFL draft meant undrafted free agency got underway, and the San Francisco 49ers are looking to build on a solid draft. The team has been connected to 13 players thus far. The team has six open roster spots, so it likely means there will be some cuts. Additionally, some of the rumored UDFA connections might simply be for a tryout at rookie minicamp.
ESPN’s Todd McShay released his list of the top ten players available as undrafted free agents. The 49ers have reportedly signed three of his top four, and another on the list.
1. Lorenzo James: “A smaller safety who didn't test well at the combine, Jerome is a better football player than athlete, and he eased concerns about the level of competition he faced in college with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Jerome's experience returning kicks will help his stock.”
2. Cole Hikutini, TE, Louisville: “[C]an still add polish as a route runner and improve his blocking. But his quality size and the athleticism he shows give him the potential to develop into a starter down the road.”
4. K.D. Cannon, WR, Baylor: “Cannon, an underdeveloped route runner, faces a steep learning curve in transitioning to the NFL. We like his toughness, quickness and top-end speed, though. He has the potential to develop into a productive slot receiver and contribute on special teams as a returner.”
8. Jon Toth, C, Kentucky: “A team captain and four-year starter, Toth is an excellent hand fighter with good inline power. He also has the toughness and football IQ teams covet at center. He'll need to play with sound technique to mask his lack of ideal athleticism in pass protection.”
Per Field Yates, Toth is not signing with the 49ers.
The 49ers reportedly are all done calling and negotiating UDFA deals. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported that the 49ers personnel department was wrapping things up and calling it a night. The team will announce names once contracts are officially signed and any offsetting releases.
Here is the full list of players who have announced they agreed to terms, or have been reported to agreed to terms:
QB Nick Mullens, Southern Miss
RB Matt Breida, Georgia Southern
WR Victor Bolden, Oregon State
WR K.D. Cannon, Baylor
WR Kendrick Bourne, Eastern Washington
TE Cole Hikutini, Louisville
OT Erik Magnuson, Michigan
OT Darrell Williams, Western Kentucky
OL JP Flynn, Montana State
C Jon Toth, Kentucky
LB Donavin Newsom, Missouri
LB Jimmie Gilbert, Colorado
S Lorenzo Jerome, Saint Francis