Training camp for the San Francisco 49ers is officially here, with the veterans reporting this Saturday and the entire rookie class already in the building. While the focus is often on high draft picks, the real sleeper stories are starting to emerge from the seven undrafted free agents (UDFAs) they signed, and one defensive lineman from a national champion squad is already turning heads.
The Niners’ Proven Path For UDFAs
The 49ers know how to find gold in the undrafted ranks; just look at their current roster. Guys like center Jake Brendel and offensive guard Robert Jones, who could be starting next to each other in 2026, prove that an undrafted label doesn’t mean a thing in San Francisco. Along with Brendel and Jones, the Niners also have LB Luke Gifford, DE Andrew Farmer II, DL Evan Anderson, Safety Derrick Canteen, RB Patrick Taylor, and TE Jake Tonges who all started as UDFAs. This year, they’ve brought in seven new faces: TE Khalil Dinkins, DL Bryson Eason, WR Wesley Grimes, DL Mikail Kamara, WR Will Pauling, S Jalen Stroman, and DL James Thompson Jr. When you’re looking for which of these guys has the best shot at cracking the 53-man roster, the defensive line is absolutely the place to start. That puts Eason, Kamara, and Thompson Jr. right at the top of the list. Khalil Dinkins has an outside shot at tight end, but that would need George Kittle to be out for Week 1 and the team cutting Brayden Willis, so a practice squad spot feels more likely for him.
Kamara’s ‘Force’ on the Field
Forget “outside chance” for Mikail Kamara. This 24-year-old defensive lineman is the player to watch in camp right now, and for good reason. He was an absolute force for the national champion Indiana Hoosiers after transferring from James Madison. His 2024 season was his best, racking up ten sacks, an 86.4 defensive grade, and an 88.5 pass-rushing grade. Even though his sacks dipped to two in 2025, he still posted nine more hurries than in his breakout 2024 campaign. The 49ers have a loaded defensive line with locks like C.J. West, Alfred Collins, Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, Sam Okuayinonu, Keion White, and rookies Gracen Halton and Romello Height. Kamara still has to leap over Evan Anderson and the other UDFA competition, but this guy should have been drafted, plain and simple.
The 49ers are always going to need as much help as possible on the defensive line. Waves of pass rushers are crucial for their scheme, and Kamara is built to provide reliable, high-impact depth. Bet on Kamara to turn heads and impress every single day in training camp. Watch out for this Hoosier, because he’s coming for a roster spot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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