The 49ers today signed veteran outside linebacker Marques Harris, an unrestricted free agent who played his first four seasons with the Chargers. The club also announced the signings of 12 undrafted free agents.

Harris, 27, signed a one-year contract with the 49ers. He supplies depth for the 49ers. The club's backup outside linebackers, behind starters Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson, are Jay Moore and Ahmad Brooks, neither of whom played last season. Harris was credited with 28 tackles with 2.5 sacks while starting three of the 15 games in which he appeared for the Chargers. Obviously, 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky is familiar with him, as they spent two years together with the Chargers when Manusky was linebackers coach.

 

And, finally, here is the official list of players the 49ers signed as undrafted free agents:

 

Kirby Freeman, QB, 6-3, 206, Baylor

Freeman transferred from Miami, where he spent his first three college seasons. In his senior year at Baylor, he played in three games with one start and threw for 49 yards and a touchdown. He earned his degree in sports administration from Miami before transferring to Baylor. He made seven starts in his Miami career. He was not rated by NFLdraftscout, and Mel Kiper had him as the 77th-rated QB prospect.

His future - Freeman is the 49ers' fifth quarterback behind Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Damon Huard and Nate Davis. He'll be kept around as long as the arm is needed.

 

Kory Sheets, RB, 5-11, 208, Purdue

The fastest running back at the combine with a 4.39 in the 40. He rushed for more than 3,300 yards in his career, along with 4,944 all-purpose yards. Sheets has breakaway speed, scoring 48 touchdowns in four seasons. He can also be a factor as a kickoff-return man. The 49ers brought Sheets in for a visit three weeks ago as part of their background check. Sheets reportedly had difficulty with the Purdue coaching staff, beginning with a brief benching in 2007 for a fumble problem. He made some critical comments after a loss to Northwestern, and was banned from speaking to the media for the remainder of the season. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him as the 11th-best running back - just one spot behind Glen Coffee. Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him No. 13.

His future - Sheets has a real chance to win a roster spot. His primary competition will be Thomas Clayton, the team's leading rusher during the past two exhibition seasons. If Sheets proves his worth, it's possible the 49ers could employ three backs, similar to what the N.Y. Giants had with Jacobs, Ward and Bradshaw.

 

Dobson Collins, WR, 6-1, 188, Gardner-Webb

He was honored as All-Big South Conference first team as a receiver and second-team as a return man. He had 76 receptions for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was clocked at 4.47 in the spring of '07. NFLdraftscout ranks him as the 53rd receiver, while Kiper has him 58th.

His future - With the depth the 49ers already have at this position, Collins is not going to make the 53-man roster. But he is now in a camp, and he has to take advantage of his limited opportunities to make an impression.

 

Alex Boone, OT, 6-7, 328, Ohio State

If Boone can get his act together, there might be a place for him in the NFL. He struggled against the speed-rushers of Florida and LSU in BCS title games. But the bigger concerns are off the field. In February, while in California training, police in Aliso Viejo allege Boone jumped up and down on the hoods of cars, attempted to smash the window of a tow truck and then fled police and had to be tasered twice in order to be subdued. He was arrested for DUI in 2006. But he was a two-time All-Big Ten performer, so with the right kind of support system with the 49ers, he has a chance. NFLdraftscout ranks him as the 21st-best offensive tackle. Kiper had him No. 14.

His future - This is a good spot for Boone. He projects to right tackle, and that's what the 49ers might need. If he can get his act together, he's got a chance.

 

Matt Huners, OG, 6-3, 303, South Florida

He was the Bulls' best offensive lineman in 2006, but he tore his ACL in spring ball prior to his junior season. He managed to return to the lineup and won the Coaches' Award for his speedy recovery. Although he graduated in the spring of 2008, he was academically ineliglble for the St. Petersburg Bowl against Memphis because he did not meet the requirement in post-graduate work. He played in every regular-season game in 2008 and was named second-team All-Big East. NFLdraftscout ranks him as the 48th guard, while Kiper has him 71st.

His future - The 49ers did not address the guard position in free agency or the draft. Huners will have to show some versatility to lock down a spot. With David Baas scheduled for free agency at the end of the season, perhaps they try to develop Huners for down the road.

 

Kyle Howard, OG, 6-6, 318, Wyoming

Three-year starter for the Cowboys. He started 40 games in his career, including all 13 as a senior: 12 at right guard and one at right tackle. He played right tackle earlier in his career. He can play tackle or guard. NFLdraftscout had him ranked as the 80th tackle, while Kiper had him ranked 59th tackle.

His future - He'll get a chance to show what he can do and where he might fit in best. Obviously, it'll be difficult for him to stick on the 53-man roster.

 

Pannel Egboh, DE, 6-6, 276, Stanford

Ended his career with 24 consecutive starts at defensive end. He recorded 8.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks as a junior, but his production dipped as a senior. He was a member of the National Honor Society. He has a 35-inch vertical leap. He seems to be a 'tweener among 'tweeners. The book is that he might lack bulk play DE in a 3-4, and he's not necessarily an elite pass rusher. Kiper says he has enough measurables to allow an NFL defensive line coach to work with him. NFLdraftscout had him rated as the 16th-best defensive end. Kiper had him at No. 22.

His future - There are not a whole lot of spots on the line up for grabs. The team drafted Ricky Jean-Francois in the seventh round, but Egboh is more of a pass-rusher. His job is to make himself relevant to the team that is looking for a pass rush.

 

Khalif Mitchell, DT, 6-5, 318, East Carolina

Mitchell did not play football until his junior year of high school, so the game is still somewhat new to him. He has the frame that can handle a few more pounds. He transferred after beginning his college career at North Carolina. As a senior, he injured his back after seven starts and sat out the remainder of the season. He was invited to the combine, where he had 30 reps at 225 pounds. If he shows the willingness to work hard, he is a strong candidate for the 49ers' practice squad.  NFLdraftscout ranks him No. 25 among D-tackles. Kiper has him at No. 18.

His future - What the 49ers need is a big nose tackle. It's doubtful whether Mitchell will have a chance to win a spot on the 53-man roster, but - like most of these guys - the practice squad is within reach.

 

Diyral Briggs, OLB, 6-3, 242, Bowling Green

First-team All-Mid-American Conference selection in his junior and senior seasons. He started 27 of the 47 games during his college career. Briggs finished his career with 221 tackles, including 36 for loss and 26 sacks. His sack total ranks first in school history and eighth all-time in the MAC. He recorded 9.5 sacks as a senior. Was suspended for the team's bowl game in 2007 for violating team rules. NFLdraftscout ranks him as the 41st-best outside linebacker. Kiper has him at 33rd.

His future - Everybody is looking for a pass-rusher. If Briggs impresses, the 49ers will consider keeping him on the practice squad.

 

Jahi Word-Daniels, CB, 6-0, 197, Georgia Tech

Word-Daniels is a tough cornerback who has good size, but his stock dropped because he missed half of his final season with a hamstring injury. Kiper says Word-Daniels is so aware and intuitive in coverage that he plays faster than he times. He ran a 4.59 and 4.64 at his pro day. He's an interesting guy. He was Georgia Tech's long snapper on punts and kicks for three years - an oddity for a cornerback. He has a lively personality. He proposed to his girlfriend in front on hundreds of Georgia Tech fans at the preseason fan day in August of 2007. NFLdraftscout rates him as the 39th cornerback. Kiper has him No. 24.

His future - He's a big cornerback, and that gives him an advantage. If the 49ers see something worth developing, he would be a strong option of sticking on the practice squad.

 

Carlos Thomas, CB, 5-11, 186, South Carolina

Recorded six career interceptions for the Gamecocks. He was reportedly one of the fastest players on the team with a 4.37 in the 40, but he ran 4.51 and 4.57 during his pro day. He played wideout early in his career before making the transition to defense full time in 2006. NFLdraftscout ranks him as the 76th corner, while Kiper has him 81st.

His future - He's in a similar situation as Word-Daniels. The 49ers have some cornerback and they might want to add another veteran before the start of the season. Right now, Nate Clements, Walt Harris, Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown and Marcus Hudson are ahead of the rookies on the depth chart.

 

Terrail Lambert, CB, 5-10, 190, Notre Dame

He had an impressive pro day, leading some to believe he might get drafted. Lambert ran 4.38 and 4.36 and also made a miraculous one-handed catch during a drill. He was a primary starter on defense for his final three years for the Irish. NFLdraftscout rated him as the 41st-best corner, while Kiper has him ranked 55th.

His future - The 49ers have some veterans on their roster who require an occasional day off. The 49ers want to bring in some undrafted guys to see what's out there.

 

* * *

 

Brandon Long, a defensive end from Michigan State, did not appear on the list of players the 49ers have signed. He had reportedly agreed to terms. I'm checking on what's going on with him.

 

UPDATE (7:41 p.m.): Long failed the physical (foot).

 

* * *


27 Comments

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Woot, Sing showin' some love for the Baylor boys! Kirby will make a great practice squad QB.

Does this mean Long is not playing football or are they waiting for him to heal to sign him?

Matt,
Good write up as usual. Keep up the good work.
Michael

Matt,

In your post concerning the 49ers possibly making a move for Peppers, you said the 49ers were not part of the four teams Peppers agreed to be traded too. Where did you get that information, since it was not made public and the fourth team always remained a mystery to everyone. It was speculated to be NE, Dallas, Philly and ?.

Just wondering where you heard this, because I have felt the 49ers were part of those four teams all along?

Tony M

Yeah, I wonder of you can sign hurt guys.

All this attention to the OG in the UDFA class, you gotta wonder what their plans are. McC obviously doesn't like to pay OG's money, but Baas was a
Second rounder. Also, are these guys any better than Last years PS OL de la Puente and Toledo?

Matt said "With David Baas scheduled for free agency at the end of the season, perhaps they try to develop Huners for down the road."

Just wanted to make a quick comment on this. Baas' contract is up, that's true, but with 2010 looking to be an uncapped year where you need 6 accrued season to be unrestricted, the niners can still keep him one more year on the cheap.

My guess is that's the plan. Have him play this year to establish his value, tender him an RFA and negotiate a long term deal.

D Briggs is a sleeper prospect very interested to see how he competes -Jeez I wish they would look at QB Greg Micheli this kid could heat up camp and grace P Squad while he develops -check him out fellas -small school dynamo!

The Oregon v Purdue game is on ESPN classic. Sheets had a game!

Hey Matt, since the 49ers changed uniforms what will the throwback look like if there is one or will be 1 if they ever use them this year or later?
I think it would be cool if they use the the unis with the white pants to commemorate the 94 superbowl season

Matt
Q for Sing. Why not on 3rd & long sub guard for RT? 3 Advantages, (1) mobility shuts down easy sack, (2) throws D into query, (3) gives a fat boy a blow.

Could we be in line to deal Aubrayo to Nolan in Denver perhaps? Maybe Michael Lewis?
I see several guys on the bubble already.
Arnaz,Shantae and Roman. Strickland?
Gonna be an interesting lead up to June/July for sure.

Hi Matt,

I see that the Saints released Hollis Thomas. Do you think the 9ers might look at him for NT (6'0 335 lbs) help?

Thanks for the updates.

Very surprising to hear about Long failing the physical. I was really looking forward to seeing what he could bring to the table. I too am wondering what the 49ers said to him after failing & if they're still interested. Matt, your thoughts?

I guess thats the end of the peppers possibility. Maybe thats a good thing.
Lets go Manny, this is your last year to prove your worth it!

goat,

Manny's not going anywhere but you could say the same thing for OLB Jay Moore. The kid has been injured his 1st 2 years so it's time to put up or shut up.

Matt,

This seems to be the best UDFA's the 49ers have ever signed in regards to potential & talent. That being said I believe ther might be up to 4 of these players sticking on the active roster.

Right on Matty Macc, thanks for the great info. Its gonna fun following these guys over the summer.

McGm is the man - I like the fact he likes seniors......i pray boone gets his head straight, he his a major steal...

Matt:
Here's a stupid question. What does it mean when someone fails a physical? Is that just the reason the team gives for not wanting to sign a player. Here's my point. at this point I don't think Crabtree could pass a physical because he is still healing, but you better believe that the 9ers will sign him. So, given that the Long failed his physical, does that just mean the 9ers didn't want to sign him given his injury? Or is there some minimum "healthiness" that NFL players must reach.

Can you imagine how hard it will be to cut the roster down to 52 with 6-7 rookies picks + 3-4 UDFS's making the team? Should be interesting.

Matt,
Will you be at the mini-camp this weekend? Do you view it from the bleachers, like we do for Open Practices, or do you get to roam the field? Do you have to request interviews, is it all press conference style, or open access to all players and coaches?

What are the chances we bring in LaBoy for a check up to see what he needs physically to take care of to get on the field?

Lets be clear: its a bit of a longshot. Boone has been kind of an idiot for as long as he has been at Ohio State.

Sing needs to sit him down on day one and lay it out for him, as stark as can be.

"You have the talent to play in this league.... but you are lazy and a loose cannon. I won't put up with it. I will NOT put up with lazy players. You have a chance here that likely will not come again: either you succeed here, or you will be playing in the arena league in front of nobody for beer money. But IF you pull your head out of your ***, and WORK like you have never worked in your life, you just might become a starter in this league. Your choice, young man: choose wisely."

Boone's problem isn't laziness. Read what he said after the 2006 incident. He's clearly an addict, and the Feb 2009 incident suggests the possibility that he's still not taking it seriously. It's not even about football for him right now - his whole future hangs in the balance.

5 of the 12 are arguably priority UDFAs in various degrees, so it's a good harvest.

But I project only Sheets (obviously) & Boone (maybe) who can sniff the final 53. Word-Daniels, Egboh & Khalif Mitchell were on the draftable radar, but more as fringe prospects at best.

Of the others, only small-schooler Collins played an All-Star Game (like the above lot) without getting a Indy invite (unlike the above).

I think mitchell has a shot to make the team, or at least practice squad. He is still learning the game but has a lot of potential. He is big enough to gain some extra lbs and be a good nosetackle.

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Who is Matt?

Matt Maiocco is in his 14th year covering the 49ers. He has reported for The Press Democrat since 2000. He is a three-time winner of Pro Football Writers of America awards. Rotoworld.com ranked "Instant 49ers" as the No. 2 NFL team blog in the country in 2007. Maiocco has written two books, "Roger Craig's Tales from the 49ers Sideline" and "San Francisco 49ers: Where Have You Gone?" Matt can also be heard regularly on KNBR (680-AM) during the season. He is also been added this season as a regular guest on ESPN's "First Take."