The San Francisco 49ers have unearthed several undrafted free agent gems during the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era, and they could well have another on their hands after the NFL let another potential diamond in the rough fall into their lap.
Among the crop of undrafted free agents signed by the 49ers following the draft was Missouri running back Cody Schrader.
A Division II transfer who has been perennially overlooked throughout his football career, Schrader walked on at Missouri and was the starting back for the Tigers in each of his two seasons with the team.
His breakout came in his final season, with Schrader leading the SEC in rushing with 1,627 yards, scoring 14 touchdowns on the ground.
A bruising runner renowned for a punishing style that consistently saw him gain yardage after contact, Schrader was given an early seventh-round grade by A to Z Sports' James Foster and a fifth to sixth-round grade by Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Yet somehow a back who, per Pro Football Focus, was tied ninth among backs in the class with 51 missed tackles forced last season was completely neglected by the league, allowing the Niners to swoop in.
With the 49ers having traded up in the fourth round for Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo, the situation in the backfield is extremely crowded behind reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers also have Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and Patrick Taylor Jr. on the depth chart.
On the surface, it is therefore difficult to see a path towards Schrader making the team. However, given Schrader's track record of proving himself, it's tough to rule out him performing at a level in training camp and preseason that makes the 49ers reluctant to risk trying to get him on the practice squad and allowing the rest of the league the opportunity to atone for their collective mistake.
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