Yep, it’s another guy you probably haven’t heard of. Niles Scott is a defensive lineman coming out of Frostburg. This is the smallest of small schools, being Division III. Given that the 49ers have more defensive line players than they know what to do with, that also isn’t working well in in Scott’s favor.
So who is this guy? Well, he’s a defensive lineman who is another ninja. Good God, just watch this highlight tape and see him go Houdini on the offensive line. His senior season produces some good stats: 51 tackles, 10 sacks, a blocked kick...this guy is obnoxious on the line. The only problem is if he can do this type of production in an NFL style system. My guess is it’s going to take a year to get him acclimated. Outside of football he’s held some interviews to display his personality. He seems like he could do the part, but it’s all a question on if he can come close to that production he had at Frostburg at the NFL level. For 280, Scot can definitely move. If they can develop this kid, the 49ers may have something.
Age: 22
Experience: Rookie
Height: 6’2
Weight: 280
Cap Status
He is in year one of his three-year UDFA deal. His first season will see a salary of $480,000
What to expect in 2018
Niles Scott will be coming in to see if those great numbers he made at Frostburg can translate to the pro level. This isn’t just the fact he’s an undrafted free agent, it’s that he’s an undrafted free agent who played in Division III. That’s a very low level of competition. For that, he’ll be playing with the backup squads and getting a feel for Robert Saleh’s defense. If the 49ers see a potential return in him, he can easily get stashed on the practice squad.
Odds of making the roster
It’s not just the Division III play, it’s the fact the 49ers defensive line is loaded. Unless Scott can display himself as a legitimate threat as a pass rusher, he’s just not ready to crack that echelon of talent that the 49ers have. At best, Scott is starting Game 4 of the preseason and is given a year of development on the practice squad. At worse, he doesn’t even make it through training camp. There’s too much talent on the defensive line and his level of production works against him. If he were a safety, I’d say he’d have a great shot on special teams and as a backup, but not on the defensive line.