The 49ers have made a move to bolster their receiving corps by signing undrafted free agent Isaiah Winstead.…
I don't often get too excited about UDFA players... but every now and again one of them grabs my attention. Winstead, had a social media post of his skills go viral, and clearly the 49ers were pay attention. They made a move to grab him after seemingly being done with the initial rush to fill out the roster.The 6'4" wideout brings impressive physical attributes to the table, including a wingspan of nearly 80 3/8 inches, arm length of 33 3/8 inches, and hand size of 10 3/8 inches. These traits make him a big target for quarterbacks and a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks to defend... but if you watch his instincts and the way he cuts on film, you can see why the 49ers showed interest. He doesn't have the top end speed to get vertical, but give he runs very tight routes, and knows how to use his body in space. He will be an interesting players to watch on the bubble of the roster because he could be an inetersting third down, short yardage, redzone target.
Winstead played his college ball at the University of North Texas, where he racked up 817 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over three seasons. Despite putting up solid numbers, he was not selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, leaving him to pursue his pro football dreams as an undrafted free agent.
Winstead's height and length will immediately make him the tallest receiver on the 49ers' roster, and his skill set is complementary to the team's current options. He has shown an ability to make contested catches and use his size to create separation, which should help him carve out a role in the offense. Additionally, his experience as a special teams contributor in college could make him a valuable asset in that phase of the game for San Francisco.
Of course, being an undrafted free agent means that Winstead will have to fight for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason. However, he has already shown a willingness to put in the work, posting on social media after the draft that he is "locked in and ready to grind." If he can continue to impress the coaching staff and make plays during practices and games, he could earn himself a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
Overall, the signing of Isaiah Winstead is a low-risk, high-reward move for the San Francisco 49ers. His physical tools and potential upside make him an intriguing prospect, and he could help fill a need on the team's roster. If he can take advantage of his opportunity and develop his game, he could be a name to watch in the coming seasons.