49ers roster battles: The undrafted rookie sleepers to watch

Every year, one or two undrafted rookies force the San Francisco 49ers to rethink their roster. From Matt Breida and Emmanuel Moseley to Jordan Mason, Jeff Wilson, Jr., and Azeez Al-Shaair, the 49ers have seen rookies earn opportunities after entering the league without hearing their names called on draft day. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have consistently shown they will keep the best players, not just the highest draft picks.

The 2026 undrafted rookie class appears to have a handful of legitimate contenders to make the team. While most will likely begin on the practice squad, a few have realistic paths to cracking the initial 53-man roster.

I didn't mention Texas punter Jack Bouwmeester, who may have the best chance of making the team, considering his position. Instead, I chose to focus on offensive and defensive players who have the best shot. Here are the 49ers' undrafted rookies with the best chance of making the team:

1. Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana

If one undrafted free agent has generated the most buzz, it's Mikail Kamara. And if only one makes the team, it will be the former Hoosier who started all 16 games for the 2025 National Champions.

Kamara's lack of prototypical size likely contributed to him going undrafted, but his production simply cannot be ignored. After transferring from James Madison to Indiana, he developed into one of the Big Ten's most disruptive pass rushers. In 2024, he recorded 10 sacks and earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors. During Indiana's undefeated championship run the following season, he led the conference with 59 quarterback pressures and was named Defensive MVP in the College Football National Championship.

The 49ers have rebuilt much of their defensive front, but quality pass rushers are always valuable. Raheem Morris' defense relies heavily on creating pressure with the front four, and Kamara already possesses an advanced pass-rush repertoire. Several draft analysts believed Kamara carried a draftable grade, making him one of the biggest bargains among this year's undrafted signings.

Roster outlook: Excellent chance to make either the 53-man roster or become one of the first call-ups from the practice squad.

2. Bryson Eason, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee

The 49ers have never been shy about investing in defensive linemen, and Bryson Eason fits exactly the type of player they often develop. The 6-foot-2, 323-pound Tennessee product played six seasons for the Volunteers and steadily improved each year. During his final two seasons, Eason combined for 52 tackles (12 for loss) while becoming one of Tennessee's most reliable interior defenders. He also earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, an indication that NFL evaluators viewed him as one of the better defensive tackles available.

While he isn't an explosive interior pass rusher, Eason plays with leverage, power, and effort. Those traits often earn defensive tackles rotational roles early in their careers. With San Francisco emphasizing depth up front, Eason could carve out a role as an early-down run defender.

Roster outlook: Strong chance if he proves dependable against the run during preseason games.

3. Khalil Dinkins, Tight End, Penn State

Shanahan has long valued tight ends who can block nearly as well as they catch. That makes Khalil Dinkins particularly intriguing, especially with George Kittle's availability uncertain early in the season. Although Dinkins never posted eye-popping receiving numbers at Penn State, much of that had to do with the Nittany Lions' offensive structure. Coaches consistently praised his blocking ability and versatility, and he demonstrated soft hands whenever called upon.

Kittle remains one of the NFL's elite tight ends, but the depth behind him is thin. A dependable blocker who contributes on special teams always has a chance to stick. Dinkins could find a role on offense, especially if Luke Farrell continues to disappoint.

Roster outlook: Better chance than his statistics suggest because of Shanahan's offensive philosophy.

4. James Thompson Jr., Defensive Tackle, Illinois

The 49ers doubled up on interior defensive linemen after the draft, and James Thompson Jr. might be the more overlooked prospect. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing over 300 pounds, Thompson brings exceptional length to the interior. After beginning his career at Wisconsin, he transferred to Illinois, where he started 13 games.

During his senior season, Thompson had 41 tackles (17 solo) with three tackles for loss, two sacks, two quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup. His combination of size and versatility allows him to line up at multiple spots across the defensive front, something 49ers coaches love. Depth battles often come down to versatility, and Thompson may have an edge there.

Roster outlook: Fringe 53-man candidate who could quickly become a practice squad priority.

5. Will Pauling, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Wide receiver is always a difficult position for undrafted players to crack in San Francisco, but Will Pauling brings one skill the coaching staff covets: separation.

Though his 2025 season wasn't that spectacular (only 26 receptions for 381 yards), Pauling scored six touchdowns and finished his college career with 155 catches, including a 74-catch season at Wisconsin before finishing at Notre Dame. He isn't the biggest receiver, but he consistently creates space underneath and has experience returning punts.

Sports Illustrated recently ranked Pauling among the UDFAs with the best chance to survive roster cuts because of his return ability and fit as a slot receiver. If Jacob Cowing, or another reserve receiver, struggles on special teams, Pauling could make things interesting.

Roster outlook: Long shot, but his return ability gives him a legitimate opportunity.

If training camp began today, Kamara would be my favorite to make the initial 53-man roster. The 49ers value players who can pressure quarterbacks, and Kamara has done exactly that against elite collegiate competition. His résumé compares favorably with many late-round draft picks, and his motor fits perfectly with the defensive identity Morris wants to bring.

History suggests that at least one undrafted rookie will surprise everyone. The 49ers have built a reputation for finding hidden gems after the draft, and this class appears to feature several players capable of continuing that tradition.