Four 49ers players selected in UFL draft

The United Football League (UFL) kicked off its 2024 draft today, and four San Francisco 49ers players were selected by the spring league. Running back Cody Schrader, defensive lineman Evan Anderson, offensive lineman Braison Mays, and quarterback Tanner Mordecai were among those chosen.

The St. Louis Battlehawks selected Schrader in the second round, the Memphis Showboats selected Anderson, the Arlington Renegades picked Mays in the ninth round, and the D.C. Defenders also selected Mordecai in the ninth round.

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area noted that these players reported to 49ers training camp this week, aiming to impress coaches enough to secure spots on the 53-man roster or practice squad. The UFL might be a good backup option should that not happen and if any of the players fail to catch on with an NFL squad.

There is speculation that Mordecai, who played college football at Wisconsin, SMU, and Oklahoma, might compete for the third quarterback spot or secure a position on the practice squad. San Francisco's quarterback room also includes starter Brock Purdy and veterans Josh Dobbs and Brandon Allen.

The 49ers officially signed Schrader, Anderson, Mays, and Mordecai as undrafted free agents on May 10. Undrafted free agents became eligible for the 2024 UFL draft, marking the first annual selection process by the league since the merger of the United States Football League (USFL) and XFL.