The San Francisco 49ers have signed 14 undrafted free agents since the 2018 NFL Draft came to a close. We could see some more UDFAs swapped in before training camp, but for the most part we know what the UDFA class looks like.
Over the next three months, through the end of training camp, we’ll be trying to figure out which of the UDFAs might surprise us and grab a roster spot. There are fewer opportunities available this year, but there is a decent chance at least one of the UDFAs ends up snagging a roster spot.
We started with quarterback Jack Heneghan, moved on to running back Jeff Wilson, and most recently looked at UDFA wide receiver Steven Dunbar and seventh round pick wide receiver Richie James. Today, we move on to the offensive line, where the 49ers signed Coleman Shelton, Alan Knott, Najee Toran, and Jamar McGloster to UDFA deals.
McGloster played tackle in college, and still has the size (6’6, 330 pounds) to continue at the NFL level. The other three are expected to compete for guard and/or center work.
Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey will be the team’s two tackles. Garry Gilliam, Darrell Williams, and Erik Magnuson are all competing for reserve tackle work, with Gilliam the likely front-runner after his contract extension. I won’t say McGloster has zero chance of making the 53-man roster, but he’s facing seriously long odds. He’s competing for a practice squad spot.
The guard positions have significantly less certainty. Joshua Garnett, Jonathan Cooper, and Laken Tomlinson are the front-runners for the two guard positions, with Erik Magnuson also in the mix. Meanwhile, Weston Richburg is a lock at center. Magnuson has a decent chance of claiming a swing role on the interior, with the loser of the three guards potentially serving as the first guard off the bench.
Much like McGloster’s competition, it seems like the interior UDFAs are competing for one or two practice squad spots. So, realistically, the four UDFA linemen are competing for probably two practice squad spots.
For the time being, Coleman Shelton jumps out as the most likely to claim a roster spot. He has experience all across the line, and could have the size to be competitive for the more athletic movement of the 49ers line. Even still, he’s a longshot at this point.