49ers taking a close look at 2 undrafted linemen in training camp

The training camp of the San Francisco 49ers has not gone well as they had hoped due to their injury-stricken roster. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is out for the season due to a knee injury, Mike Evans is recovering from a quadriceps injury, defensive end Nick Bosa is dealing with a knee injury, and defensive lineman Sam Okuayinonu is tending to an ankle injury.

Still, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The 49ers retained their veteran core, and their tightening chemistry should be reflected on the field.

Their additions should also play a key role, including their rookies, wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, defensive lineman Romello Height, and running back Kaelon Black. According to defensive coordinator Kris Kocurek, they are also taking a close look at two undrafted newcomers: Defensive tackles Bryson Eason and James Thompson.

“It rarely happens where two guys that you think are going to get drafted, somewhere between the fourth and seventh round, and then for both of them to fall out and to be able to get both of them,” said Kocurek in a report from NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco.

“We saw them as dudes that could compete for 53-man roster spots.”

The 24-year-old Eason had a six-year stint at Tennessee, tallying 105 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, and five passes defended in 61 games.

The 23-year-old Thompson had a five-year career at Wisconsin before transferring to Illinois last year. He logged 100 combined tackles, 2.0 sacks, and one pass defended in 54 games.

Their consistent appearances in training camp have helped the 49ers assess their fit. Kocurek said the two under-the-radar prospects already have the tools to compete in the NFL.

“With Bryson, just the size you saw on tape, I would assume that he would have gotten drafted. The same with James Thompson. The film was just too good,” said Kocurek.

Eason and Thompson have several days to convince San Francisco’s brain trust, as the team will announce its final roster at the end of the month.

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