49ers sign Harris and 12 undrafted rookie free agents

May 1, 10:26 AMSan Francisco 49ers ExaminerSamuel Lam

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Even though the 49ers had an OK draft this past weekend, the team now will employ a lot more players to help fill in the holes on the roster.

The 49ers first went out and signed veteran free agent Marques Harris. Harris last played outside linebacker for the Chargers. The 49ers will more than likely use Harris as a project for this one year deal. In need of a pass rusher, the 49ers should benefit greatly from Harris.

49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky worked with Harris for two seasons as a linebacker coach in San Diego. In three starts last season (in 15 total games), Harris collected 2.5 sacks.

The 49ers also beefed up their roster with these free agent signings. I had mentioned some of them earlier in the week, but these contracts have been officially signed. Matt Maiocco does a wonderful breakdown of each player, which you can check out here.

1. Kirby Freeman, QB, 6-3, 206, Baylor (another QB to a crowded group already)
2. Kory Sheets, RB, 5-11, 208, Purdue (could be a surprise and make the squad)
3. Dobson Collins, WR, 6-1, 188, Gardner-Webb (unless he's super impressive, not much for him here)
4. Alex Boone, OT, 6-7, 328, Ohio State (stability at this position is needed, so he could turn some heads)
5. Matt Huners, OG, 6-3, 303, South Florida (could also add stability for the team)
6. Kyle Howard, OG, 6-6, 318, Wyoming (same as Huners)
7. Pannel Egboh, DE, 6-6, 276, Stanford (local product that could help add depth to a very young pass rush group)
8. Khalif Mitchell, DT, 6-5, 318, East Carolina (we should wait and see what skills he presents)
9. Diyral Briggs, OLB, 6-3, 242, Bowling Green (with the signing of Harris, Briggs has to show signs of flash)
10. Jahi Word-Daniels, CB, 6-0, 197, Georgia Tech (this position is up in the air, and so is Wod-Daniels' status)
11. Carlos Thomas, CB, 5-11, 186, South Carolina (should impress to make squad)
12. Terrail Lambert, CB, 5-10, 190, Notre Dame (like previous two, finding a spot on roster is hard but should work hard to impress)

We also had mentioned Michigan State DE Brandon Long earlier in the week, but he failed a physical and was not offered a contract.

Sheets and Boone are the only two that I see have a great shot at actually making the roster. But it's still hard to tell since I ahve yet to see these guys in action. Let's wait out minicamp and then I can assess these players.

Also, on Thursday, the new draft picks made their way to Santa Clara to meet personnel and tour the facilities. Matt Barrows of the Sac Bee got a chance to meet and greet some of these players.

Most notable about the whole thing was Barrows account of QB Nate Davis' reaction to learning the new playbook. Davis said that he learned Ball State's playbook in half a year and the new one here in San Francisco should not be a problem.

First up was Nate Davis, who reiterated that he didn't think he would have an issue picking up the 49ers playbook. Davis said he had a problem reading and writing. The playbook is mostly Xs and Os. "I'm a very visual learner. Reading the playbook -- there's a lot of pictures, so ..." Davis said it took a half a year to pick up the playbook at Ball State but probably a year and a half to really learn it. He said he ran a digit-system offense in high school but not college. Asked to compare himself to an NFL player, Davis aimed high. He likened himself to Donovan McNabb, who, if memory serves, didn't have the highest Wonderlic score in the world, either.