Training camp for the San Francisco 49ers kicks off this Sunday, with the vets reporting on Saturday, but seriously, the real story brewing is with the undrafted free agents. Forget the usual suspects for a second, because defensive lineman Mikail Kamara is already looking like the absolute standout of the rookie class, and honestly, the guy should’ve been drafted in the first place. This 24-year-old could be a steal that pays off huge for the Niners.
The Niners Love Their UDFAs, But This Guy Is Different
It’s no secret the 49ers have a knack for finding gems among the undrafted crowd. Just look at their current roster: center Jake Brendel and offensive guard Robert Jones, both UDFAs, could be starting next to each other on the offensive line this season! We’re talking about real production from guys nobody drafted. Luke Gifford, Andrew Farmer II, Evan Anderson, Derrick Canteen, Patrick Taylor, and Jake Tonges all started their careers that way too. So, when we’re trying to figure out which of this year’s seven undrafted free agents has the best shot at making the 53-man roster, the defensive line is where you gotta focus.
That narrows it down pretty quickly to Bryson Eason, James Thompson Jr., and our main man, Mikail Kamara. Tight end Khalil Dinkins has an outside chance, sure, but that would involve George Kittle not being ready for Week 1 and the team cutting Brayden Willis. A practice squad spot is probably more realistic for Dinkins. But Kamara? This guy is built for the big show, and he’s going to turn heads.
Mikail Kamara: A Force Ready To Break Out
Kamara isn’t just another undrafted hopeful. He was a force for the national champion Indiana Hoosiers, no joke! After three seasons balling out at James Madison, he transferred and had two seriously successful campaigns with Indiana. His 2024 season was straight fire, putting up ten sacks and earning an 86.4 defensive grade, plus an insane 88.5 pass-rushing grade. Yeah, his sack numbers dipped a bit in 2025, only notching two, but don’t sleep on this: he still managed to rack up nine more hurries than he did in 2024. That means he’s still disrupting offenses, even if the sacks aren’t there.
Now, the defensive line is stacked, we get it. C.J. West, Alfred Collins, Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, Sam Okuayinonu, Keion White, and rookies Gracen Halton and Romello Height are all locks. Kamara’s going to have to prove he can jump over guys like Evan Anderson and the other UDFAs, but I’m betting big on him. The 49ers need waves of pass rushers, and Kamara can absolutely provide that reliable depth. Seriously, keep an eye on this Hoosier; he’s coming to play.
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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