San Francisco traded down one spot with Chicago and still got their man in Solomon Thomas. He had to miss OTAs due to the NFL graduation rule but he fits into the 49ers’ plans at left defensive end. The explosive athlete could also kick down inside as an interior pass rusher on nickel downs. Chances are he will do both. San Francisco loves his versatility so they won’t leave him in just one spot. Reuben Foster missed all of the physical part of OTAs rehabbing his shoulder, but went through non-contact drills and walk-throughs. Once medically cleared, Foster will fit in right away at the weakside linebacker position where his sideline-to-sideline range will complement All-Pro NaVorro Bowman. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon bounced back and forth between first and second units, getting most of his work as an outside corner on the right side. The ex-Buff gives the 49ers a long corner to match up with the division’s angular receivers. He is competitive, aggressive, and is a short memory type player. The 49ers moved up in the third round to select CJ Beathard, a projected clone of Kyle Shanahan’s Washington quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Beathard is tough, smart, and competitive in his play with better than average arm strength. He is also a master at the play action game and handles the ball well on fakes and bootlegs, a big part of Shanahan’s offensive package. Joe Williams is more of a natural outside zone runner which makes the speedster a good fit for the offense. The scheme is the thing and the ex- Ute running back sees the litany of successful but unheralded backs that Shanahan has had since the Terrell Davis days in Denver. Tight end George Kittle has a chance to make a move to starter in San Francisco because he’s the complete package of block, catch, downhill speed, and run after catch. The athletic ex-Hawkeye was a standout in OTAs catching a long touchdown pass and catching two touchdowns in red zone goal-line work. His versatility makes him a unique target. Trent Taylor has been getting reps as a punt returner as well as showing off his talents in the slot. He has flashed his separation skills during 7-on- 7 drills. His quickness and toughness have impressed as has his ability to play with his feet under him. He can make a couple of quick moves in a small area. DJ Jones has been getting third team reps at nose tackle behind Earl Mitchell and Quinton Dial. His talent is evident, but he must become more consistent. Pita Taumoepenu is undersized for a defensive end, but has been running with the third unit on the right side. If Elvis Dumervil struggles, Taumoepenu could become the third down Leo. He will also compete for a special teams’ role. Six years ago he didn’t know English or football. Adrian Colbert has been running at corner with the third unit in OTAs and is probably headed to the practice squad. GRADE: GOOD.
FREE AGENCY: The 49ers had a lot of money and they spent 149 million dollars of it. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon was the big ticket player collecting 20 million dollars of the guaranteed money. Other additions include Malcolm Smith (OB), Kyle Juszczyk (FB), Earl Mitchell (NT), Brian Hoyer (QB), Marquise Goodwin (WR), Dekoda Watson (OB), Matt Barkley (QB), Aldrick Robinson (WR), Robbie Gould (PK), Tim Hightower (RB), and Logan Paulsen (TE).
NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: Andrew Lauderdale (New Hampshire) OT, Erik Magnuson (Michigan) OG, Jimmie Gilbert (Colorado) OB, Lorenzo Jerome (St. Francis-PA) SS, Cole Hikutini (Louisville) TE, Matt Breida (Georgia Southern) RB, and Kendrick Bourne (Eastern Washington) WR.
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