It's tough enough for any rookie to crack an NFL roster, right? But as an undrafted free agent, especially on the offensive side for the 49ers? That's an almost impossible hill to climb, practically a forgotten dream. But for a Niners defense desperately needing a jolt, where a new defensive coordinator is trying to turn things around after last season's abysmal pass rush and coverage units, two under-the-radar guys are absolutely making waves.
Larry Worth III, The Ultimate Swiss Army Knife
Larry Worth III is the kind of player who makes you double-take on the depth chart, wondering how he fell through the draft. Forget a specific position; this dude is a human Swiss Army knife for the 49ers. With chatter about potentially moving on from Ji'Ayir Brown, someone has to step up, right? What if it's Worth III? Last season, against Notre Dame, he lined up everywhere: off-ball linebacker, walked down head-up over a tight end, mugged up in the A-gap as a blitzer, lined up over a slot receiver, and even played deep safety. Talk about versatility! At 6'2", 226 pounds, he's got the build. His 4.66 40-yard dash might not scream elite, sure, but check the 37.5" vertical and an 11-foot-2-inch broad jump. That broad jump would've tied for the longest at the NFL Combine for his position. This guy screams "positionless" in the best way: think special teams ace, scout team menace, and a sub-package speed demon for a defense needing a jolt. He played on a horrific college defense, which probably kept his unique skill set under the radar. The Niners would be wise to use him in those different roles, just like in college, and not let an athlete like this walk.Mikail Kamara's Relentless Motor
Then there's Rob's pick, Mikail Kamara, fighting an uphill battle in a crowded pass rush room. When you're up against guys like Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Keion White, Sam Okuayinonu, and Romello Height, the odds are stacked, big time. Kamara's on the smaller side for an edge rusher, checking in at 6'0 5/8" and 250 pounds. His size, length, strength, and bend are all working against him from a traditional scouting perspective. Brutal, right? But this guy found ways to win for the national champions in college! He's a 6th-year senior with a motor that simply will not quit, and his pass rush repertoire is seriously impressive. Kamara had the 13th-best pressure rate in his entire class. To me, he's more of a "clean-up" sack artist, maybe not the guy beating a tackle with pure power every play, but those clean-up sacks count just as much, and he gets them. In a league where every single pressure matters, having a guy who just finds a way to disrupt is invaluable. So, what's this mean for the 49ers as they head deeper into the regular season? Their defense was a major problem last year, with one of the league's worst pass rushes and coverage units. These two UDFAs, Worth III and Kamara, aren't just vying for depth spots; they're bringing some much-needed juice and a different kind of energy to that side of the ball. It's an uphill climb to earn a permanent roster spot, but they're showing they belong. Keep an eye on these two. If they keep performing, they could be key pieces in rebuilding that Niners D and making some noise this season.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.