Shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers signed several undrafted free agents, including Tennessee defensive tackle Bryson Eason.
As the 49ers prepare to open training camp, 49ers Webzone's Marc Adams identified Eason as one of the team's top sleeper candidates. The incoming rookie class reported to camp over the weekend, while veterans are set to arrive on Saturday.
Now, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport agrees with Adams' assessment, naming Eason the 49ers' undrafted free agent with the best chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
"Bryson Eason entered his collegiate career as a big linebacker," Davenport wrote. "He will leave it as a far bigger defensive tackle. And he will try to win a roster spot with the San Francisco 49ers as a potentially versatile asset along the defensive line."
Eason measured 6-foot-2 and 323 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. According to Sports Reference, he finished his collegiate career with 105 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries in 61 games.
Now, he'll look to turn that production into an NFL roster spot during his first training camp.
Despite his size, Eason impressed Davenport by running the 40-yard dash in 5.09 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine, showing that quickness hasn't been an issue for the big defensive tackle.
"What kept him from getting drafted is that his technique and knowledge of his new position haven't caught up to his new frame just yet," Davenport wrote. "Eason's path to making the team would admittedly be easier were he an edge-rusher, but the 49ers were reportedly very aggressive about adding Eason after the draft—including a sizable contract guarantee.
"He'll have to earn it in camp, but a reserve role at defensive tackle is there for the taking."
Adams believes Eason can carve out a role on the 49ers' defensive line if he proves to be a reliable run defender.
"While he isn't an explosive interior pass rusher, Eason plays with leverage, power, and effort," Adams wrote in his evaluation. "Those traits often earn defensive tackles rotational roles early in their careers. With San Francisco emphasizing depth up front, Eason could carve out a role as an early-down run defender."
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