SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 04: Cody Schrader #38 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during mini camp on June 04, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a potential setback as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. Four of their undrafted rookie free agents – Cody Schrader, Evan Anderson, Briason Mays, and Tanner Mordecai – have been selected in the first nine rounds of the 2024 United Football League (UFL) draft.
This development could mean the 49ers could lose these promising young talents to the rival spring football league.
Undrafted Rookies Drafted by the UFL
About the undrafted rookies
The four undrafted rookies are Schrader, RB (Drafted by St. Louis Battlehawks in 2nd round), Mordecai, QB (Drafted by D.C. Defenders in 9th round), Anderson, DT (Drafted by Memphis Showboats in 4th round), and Mays, C (Drafted by Arlington Renegades in 9th round).
The Battlehawks selected Schrader in the second round (13th overall) of the United Football League College Draft. Schrader had a standout season for the Tigers in 2023. He rushed for 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him All-American honors. After going undrafted in the NFL, Schrader will now have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot or practice squad position with the Battlehawks during their upcoming training camp.
The Defenders selected Mordecai, a quarterback, in the 9th round of the United Football League (UFL) draft. Mordecai played college football at Oklahoma from 2018 to 2020, competing for the starting job but serving as a backup. He then transferred to SMU and spent his final season of college at Wisconsin.
The Showboats drafted defensive tackle Anderson in the fourth round of the 2024 UFL draft.
Meanwhile, the reigning XFL champions, the Renegades, selected center Mays in the ninth round.
As quoted by a Niners Wire article,
“The UFL could serve as a viable option if they do not secure positions with the 49ers or make it onto an NFL practice squad.”
The UFL season will run from late March to mid-June, after the conclusion of the NFL season, providing an alternative path for these undrafted rookies to showcase their talents.
Potential Impact on the 49ers
Impact on specific positions
The loss of these undrafted rookies could significantly impact the 49ers’ depth and future plans. The team likely saw them as potential contributors or practice squad members, and their departure could leave gaps in the roster that the 49ers will need to fill.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers’ coaching staff will need to carefully evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action.
They may need to explore additional undrafted free-agent signings or look to the waiver wire to bolster their roster. This will ensure they have the necessary depth to compete in the upcoming season.
As the 49ers continue their preparations for the 2024 NFL season, the potential loss of their undrafted rookies to the UFL draft will be a challenge they must navigate. The team’s ability to retain and develop these young talents could be crucial to their success in the coming year.
This report used information from the Niners Wire.
