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More undrafted FAs joining 49ers
Cal's Jordan might be good fit for Martz's offense
By
SFI staff
Posted Apr 28, 2008
|
More
It's being widely reported that in addition to tight end Joe Jon Finley, whom Scout.com reported Sunday night had agreed to terms on a deal with the 49ers, four other prospects that went undrafted over the weekend have agreed to deals as free agents with the 49ers. Here's a look at each of the four and where they might fit in with San Francisco.
WR ROBERT JORDAN, California
The skinny:
Had a productive college career in the 49ers' backyard at Cal, where he was overshadowed by fellow receivers
DeSean Jackson
and
Lavelle Hawkins
, each of whom was drafted during the first four rounds over the weekend. Jordan averaged 13.1 yards on 156 career receptions and has the speed to get open, and he's elusive and runs precise routes. His downfall is size at 170 pounds, and he will struggle to beat jams and get off the line at the NFL level. He doesn't have the strength to break tackles and doesn't appear to have much upside at the next level.
Where he might fit in:
What Jordan has going for him is Mike Martz's offense, which is a scheme well-suited for his skills, particularly if he plays from the slot. But he'll have to show plenty this summer to make it out of training camp. Could be a practice squad candidate.
WR CAMERON COLVIN, Oregon
The skinny:
Another San Francisco Bay Area product, Colvin was a star at national prep powerhouse De La Salle and was one of the nation's top recruits coming out of high school. He did not live up to that billing at Oregon, where injury issues limited his productivity. He's an outstanding athlete with good size and strength and great leaping ability. Doesn't have great speed and needs to refine his route-running. Has some durability and character issues. Averaged 12.1 yards on 74 receptions at Oregon, but never had more than 22 catches in any season.
Where he might fit in:
Colvin had an underachieving career in college, and it left him out in the cold on draft weekend. But the guy has the physical tools to play at the NFL level, and maybe good coaching - and the 49ers have one of the best receiver coaches in Jerry Sullivan - can do wonders and bring out the best in a talented prospect. But the light needs to go on for Colvin and he has to show consistency if he's going to stick around beyond August. Another practice squad candidate.
DE/OLB LOUIS HOLMES, Arizona
The skinny:
One of the nation's premier junior college recruits two years ago, Holmes had a solid career at Arizona at defensive end, recording 73 tackles - 10.5 for loss - and six sacks in 24 games as a Wildcat. Has good size at 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds and has long arms to fight off blockers. Has some legitimate pass-rushing ability. Still a raw prospect who needs to refine his game and develop his pass-rush moves. There are questions about his motor and his football instincts and awareness.
Where he might fit in:
The 49ers are looking at Holmes as an edge rusher in their 3-4 defensive scheme, a position of need that they did not address on draft weekend. Holmes doesn't have the size to play along the front of that system, so he'll have to convert to outside linebacker. While he has great size for that position, he'll have to prove that he has the speed and agility to play there.
OLB EZRA BUTLER, Nevada
The skinny:
Had a very productive career at Nevada, recording 233 tackles in his final three seasons at the school to go along with an impressive 46 stops for losses during that span. A very active player who also had 16 career sacks. Also recorded three interceptions last season as a senior. Is an aggressive player with fine speed, but he relies too much on that speed and needs to refine his pass-rushing technique. Is a tough individual who plays with a mean streak. Has some upside and could fit into either a 4-3 or 3-4 system at the pro level.
Where he might fit:
If Butler can get to the quarterback, he could challenge for a roster berth on the 3-4 edge. He appears to have the versatility the 49ers like to see in their linebackers and should receive a legitimate look this summer.
General manager Scot McCloughan said the 49ers would like to bring in "at least six" undrafted free agents to join the team for its three-day spring minicamp that begins Friday at the team facility.
"It would be nice to have eight to 10 that we like," McCloughan said. "It's a work in progress when you get close to 80 (players on the roster). You try to find good football players. I don't want to sign anybody just to be bodies. If we want to do that, we can do that later before training camp. But right now, it's going pretty good."
NOTE:
There also have been reports circulating that Georgia Tech linebacker
Gary Guyton
had agreed to terms with the 49ers. The Boston Globe reported Monday night that Guyton had signed with the
New England Patriots
.
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