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The draft is over, but it’s not really over. The moment the NFL’s Mr. Irrelevant gets named with the last overall pick, it’s time for the undrafted free agents, which is how roughly a third of NFL players actually make it to the league.
A number of recent 49ers players made it to the league as undrafted players, with Kendrick Bourne, now a Patriot, probably the most notable recent example. On the current roster, Daniel Brunskill, Ross Dwelley, Kevin Givens, Darrion Daniels, Azeez Al-Shaair and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are among the most prominent former undrafted free agents.
To open the signing period, the 49ers added former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson’s son, Jake Pederson, according to Mike Kaye of NJ.com. Pederson, a tight end out of Lousiana-Monroe, is, uh… not an elite athlete, but had a very productive 2019 season with 43 catches for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns.
#49ers sign a four-year TE who happens to be Doug Pederson's son
Had 43 catches for 567 yards and 9 TDs in 2019. Not,,, the best athlete https://t.co/7pQgXrsV6U pic.twitter.com/GwB1iEJRvo
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) May 1, 2021
The team’s second signing, per Letterman Row, is Ohio State linebacker Justin Hilliard, who played 6! years at Ohio State and is 24 years old. He had 33 tackles including five for a loss, as well as three fumble recoveries and an interception for the runners up.
Justin Hilliard heading to San Francisco on undrafted contract https://t.co/N6FX2fTMfs
— Lettermen Row (@LettermenRow) May 1, 2021
The third reported signing for San Francisco is UAB wide receiver Austin Watkins, who showed very well at the Senior Bowl. An interesting note here is that following Trey Lance, the 49ers’ next four selections were all Senior Bowl attendees.
Before a seven-game season last year, Watkins had an outstanding 2019 campaign, with 57 receptions for 1,092 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s a crafty, strong receiver who lacks elite speed, but is deceptive in his movement and might compete for a role in the slot.
The #49ers are signing former UAB WR Austin Watkins Jr., per source. #NFLDraft
One of my favorite "sleeper" WR's in this class lands in a GREAT SPOT? @TheDraftNetwork
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) May 1, 2021
The 49ers’ fourth reported free agent signing, per Aaron Wilson, is Elijah Sullivan, out of Kansas State. Like Hilliard, he’s another sixth-year linebacker.
Kansas State linebacker Elijah Sullivan is signing with the San Francisco 49ers, got a $30,000 signing bonus, per Myles Poston @mylesposton with $95,000 of his base salary guaranteed for total guarantee of $125,000 #49ers
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 2, 2021