One of those undrafted players is former Tennessee defensive tackle Bryson Eason. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport recently identified one exciting undrafted free agent for each NFL team, selecting Eason for the 49ers.
"Eason arrived in Knoxville as an oversized inside linebacker. He left Knoxville just as oversized—a 323-pound lane-clogger of a defensive tackle," Davenport wrote.
Eason finished his collegiate career with 105 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries. During the 2025 season, he posted a career-high 31 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three passes defensed while starting all 13 games.
"Eason moved into the trenches without sacrificing his athletic twitch," The Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote in his pre-draft analysis. "He is at his best in the run game when he utilizes his length to establish an anchor and strain through engagement. However, he tends to be too reactive, which can put him in trail mode. He has pass-rush potential with his get-off and heavy hands, but he relies more on effort than a tactical rush plan."
San Francisco already invested heavily in its defensive line depth, drafting defensive tackle Gracen Halton in the fourth round to join second-year players Alfred Collins and CJ West. The 49ers also added veteran Osa Odighizuwa via trade, and he is expected to play a significant role along the interior defensive front.
That creates a challenging path for Eason, but it also provides an ideal environment for his development. Working under respected defensive line coach Kris Kocurek could help Eason refine his technique. If he shows potential throughout the offseason program and training camp, he could convince coaches that he deserves to stick around.
"A lack of statistical production and uneven tape led to Eason going undrafted. But the physical tools are there—enough so that he has a puncher's chance of carving out a rotational role along San Francisco's defensive front," Davenport wrote.
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