After making 11 selections during this week’s NFL Draft in Chicago, the San Francisco 49ers reportedly signed eight undrafted free agents, effectively filling the team’s roster spots for priority free agents.
Stanford wide receiver Devon Cajuste, who many believe could be used as a tight end in the NFL, was one of the right undrafted free agents who agreed to terms with general manager Trent Baalke after the draft had concluded, according to a report from The Sacramento Bee. Cajuste and the 49ers agreed to terms on a three-year contract, according to the report.
At 6-foot-4, 234 pounds, Cajuste posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.62 seconds at February’s NFL Scouting Combine. Baalke confirmed the 49ers’ intentions to sign the 23-year-old. He ended his tenure on The Farm with 1,589 yards on 90 receptions and 14 touchdowns in 40 games with the Cardinal. During his senior season, Cajuste caught 27 passes.
“He’s outstanding, and obviously I have a great relationship with David (Shaw),” 49ers coach Chip Kelly said of the Stanford coach. “I went to his (Cajuste’s) pro day, and he came down to our pro day. He’s a tough matchup as a receiver, he’s so big, he’s strong, he’s physical, he has great catch radius. If we were to sign him as a free agent, we’d be really excited.”
From across the Bay, Cal wide receiver Bryce Treggs announced via Twitter that he would be signing with the red and gold. The 22-year-old caught 195 passes in 46 total games for the Bears, tallying 2,506 yards and 15 touchdowns. During his senior season, the six-foot Treggs averaged nearly 22 yards per reception, hauling in 45 receptions for 965 yards and seven touchdowns.
Seemingly in an effort to solidify an effective special teams unit, Libert Flames’ kicker John Lunsford received a contract offer of his own. He announced via Twitter he was extended a priority free agent contract from Baalke. After being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, the 22-year-old received a grade of 4.7 — scouts opine that while he possesses a strong leg, one that once aced a 60-yard field goal, accuracy has plagued him for much of his college career. He’s made just 60.8 percent of field goal attempts for the Flames, and has been successful on field goals from 40-49 yards only eight times out of 20 attempts.
Arizona State defensive lineman Demetrius Cherry announced via Twitter he would be joining the 49ers. The 6-foot-6, 300 pound big-man transferred from Contra Costa College, and appeared in 25 games for ASU. During that time, he recorded 37 tackles with 4.5 coming for a loss. Additionally, he had three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown.
Utah defensive end Jay Fanaika announced via Twitter the news of his signing with the 49ers. After recording 53 tackles, with 10.5 coming for a loss, Fanaika was given honorable mention All-Pac-12 performer status. He also recorded four sacks last season.
Nevada defensive end Lenny Jones agreed to terms with the 49ers, according to KOLO-TV. Jones finished his collegiate career with the Wolfpack posting 149 tackles, 31.5 of which were made behind the line of scrimmage. He ranks fifth in school history with 19 sacks and was selected to the All-Mountain West second team.
Colorado safety Jered Bell agreed to terms with the 49ers, according to his college football coach Mike MacIntyre. Bell returned for the 2015 season after missing all of 2014 because of a torn ACL. He played in 13 games last season, starting in six at free safety. The 24-year-old Pasadena, Calif. native recorded seven interceptions in his career, including three interceptions to go along with 43 tackles last season.
David Barclay is the 49ers Insider for byteclay.com. He is a member of the Professional Football Writers of America. Email, djamesbarclay@icloud.com, Twitter, @DJamesIII
