49ers' most intriguing UDFA could be 105-tackle former Tennessee star

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49ers' most intriguing UDFA could be 105-tackle former Tennessee star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to contend again in 2026. The team had an excellent 12-5 record last year but still finished in third in the extremely tough NFC West.

This offseason, the team added several talented players in a bid to get even further in 2026. Future Hall of Famer Mike Evans was added to the wide receiver room, while Dre Greenlaw and Osa Odighizuwa were added to the defense.

The 49ers, especially recently, always get roasted for their draft performances. However, the team signed some interesting undrafted free agents, and it wouldn't be surprising if a couple of these guys make the team.

There's definitely one UDFA who stands out above the rest, though.

Tennessee's Bryson Eason named 49ers best UDFA​

One of the undrafted defenders the 49ers signed was Tennessee's Bryson Eason. Eason played in parts of six season for the Volunteers and was widely expected to be a late-round pick.

However, for one reason or another, Eason fell completely out of the draft. The defender went through several changes in college, originally coming in as a linebacker and leaving school as a massive run-stuffing defensive tackle.

This change could work wonders for Eason, especially in San Francisco. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport identified Eason as the best UDFA in the 49ers' class and offered the following analysis:

Eason arrived in Knoxville as an oversized inside linebacker. He left Knoxville as just oversized—a 323-pound lane-clogger of a defensive tackle.

A lack of statistical production and uneven tape led to Eason going undrafted. But the physical tools are there—enough so that he has a puncher's chance of carving out a rotational role along San Francisco's defensive front.

As Davenport mentioned, Eason likely went undrafted due to his production not meeting expectations. However, the Tennessee product has all of the physical traits, and has plenty of big-game experience.

San Francisco was a great landing spot for Eason as the team has had no problem developing defensive linemen. The edges in San Francisco are set, but the interior isn't the deepest, so it's not hard to imagine Eason breaking through.

In 2025, Eason played in 13 games for the Volunteers and racked up 31 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. Eason won't give you much pass rush, but he clogs running lanes and has a high football IQ. In total, Eason racked up 105 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks during his college career.

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• Jets get good and bad news regarding the 2027 draft
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