Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox highlighted the undrafted free agent most likely to make each NFL roster. For the San Francisco 49ers, that distinction goes to former Virginia Tech and Notre Dame safety Jalen Stroman.
Knox believes Stroman could easily have been selected in the 2026 NFL Draft's seven rounds.
"He was the 181st-ranked prospect on the B/R board and can bring both physicality and versatility to an NFL secondary," Knox wrote.
Daniel Harms of the Bleacher Report scouting department provided insight into what Stroman brings to the table.
"He does his best work in the box, as he prefers to be around the action and sift through traffic around the football," he wrote. "Stroman showed solid man-coverage skills against tight ends at the Senior Bowl and can drop into a big nickel look."
So, what gives Stroman the best chance to make the roster? It comes down to opportunity.
San Francisco was widely expected to address the safety position during the 2026 NFL Draft, but ultimately did not select one. General manager John Lynch later acknowledged that the team's draft board simply did not line up with the available safeties when they were on the clock.
"As for not drafting a safety, there were some guys that came off and, look, this thing's still going on, we've got some free agents and all that," Lynch said on Saturday, after San Francisco's final selection. "We've got a group that we really do like. But kind of the way the board fell, it just didn't work out."
That decision opens a potential pathway for Stroman to earn a roster spot in San Francisco. Knox noted that Stroman's skill set fits the 49ers' need in the secondary and on special teams.
"He can provide depth behind Ji'Ayir Brown at strong safety, provide additional depth at nickel, and carve out a role on special teams," Knox wrote. "The 6'1", 201-pound former Virginia Tech transfer recorded 37 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception this past season."
Keep an eye on Stroman, who could enter 49ers training camp with a legitimate chance to stick on the roster.
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