The San Francisco 49ers enjoyed a solid NFL Draft, bringing in nine rookies. While the team addressed the defensive line with their first pick in the draft, the ensuing three picks went to the offensive side of the ball. With the likes of defensive lineman Drake Jackson, running back Tyrion Davis-Price and wide receiver Danny Gray, the 49ers have a solid group of rookie playmakers to build off of.
Earlier in May, the 49ers announced that they had signed 14 undrafted free agents. Sometimes there are players who get overlooked in the NFL for one reason or another who end up becoming contributors on rosters. Which of those 14 has the best chance of making the 49ers' roster in 2022?
This undrafted free agent, who suffered a pectoral injury during his pro day, has the best shot.
49ers Undrafted Free Agent To Make 2022 NFL Roster
Undrafted free agent defensive lineman Kevin Atkins has the best chance at making the 49ers' roster in 2022. Atkins, 23, spent six seasons with the Fresno State Bulldogs.
The 6-3, 305-pound lineman was a difference-maker for the Bulldogs, as he compiled 41 total tackles, 13.5 for loss, along with a college career-best seven sacks in 13 games played as a senior in 2021.
Before the draft, Atkins received some interest from the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and the 49ers. However, the Fresno State product's stock fell after he tore his pectoral muscle during his Pro Day on March 24.
This prevented Atkins from working out in front of NFL scouts, undoubtedly a factor in him going undrafted. A four-year starter, Atkins comes to the 49ers with experience, not only on the field but in the defensive scheme San Francisco deploys as well. Take it from the man himself, per Daniel Gligich of The San Joaquin Valley Sun.
“The Niners actually play almost like the same defense as Fresno State,” Atkins said. “It’s an attack defense, it’s a go get ‘em. And I just feel like that prepared me for that defense because I’m almost doing the same thing I did in college, but at a high level. Just training, it makes everything that much easier.”
Not only does Atkins feel the 49ers' defense suits his aggressive style of play, but he also feels he'll be doing the “same thing he did in college” in the NFL.
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That's good news for San Francisco, who could use some extra depth on the interior behind Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw.
Atkins also has the motivation to prove that NFL teams were right to look at him before his pectoral injury- and wrong to overlook him after it.
Kevin Atkins will use that motivation as a tool to help him make the 49ers roster in 2022 as an undrafted free agent.
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