The San Francisco 49ers agreed to terms with a modest eight undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Vanderbilt defensive back Jaylen Mahoney is an underdog worth paying attention to. Mahoney possesses the skill set and pathway required to make the 49ers’ 53-man roster.
Mahoney started 42 games at Vanderbilt across the previous four seasons. The Commodores standout was a consistent performer, totaling 247 tackles, 16 for loss, 22 passes defensed, four interceptions, and 4.0 sacks throughout his college football career. The undersized (5-foot-10, 188) Mahoney was primarily a nickel defender with terrific positional versatility.
Mahoney did not receive an invite to this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, but he did achieve intriguing workout numbers at Vanderbilt's Pro Day. The Rock Hill, South Carolina native posted 19 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, just three shy of the combine leader among all safeties, Malik Mustapha, whom the 49ers drafted in the fourth round. Mahoney also ran an acceptable 4.54 40-yard dash.
Jaylen Mahoney is a FS prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 6.26 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 406 out of 1082 FS from 1987 to 2024.https://t.co/gGEpr3rP3k pic.twitter.com/IhHnwsZCQc
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 6, 2024
The 49ers appreciate defensive backs who play with toughness, versatility, and strength. Mahoney, who played every position in the defensive backfield for Vanderbilt, possesses all three traits in spades. His ability to move around the formation will endear itself to new defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen throughout training camp and the preseason.
The 49ers have quality depth at safety, but a late-season 2022 injury could create an additional spot on the initial 53-man roster. Superstar safety Talanoa Hufanga suffered a torn ACL in a Week 11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hufanga could begin the upcoming season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as a result.
If Hufanga indeed misses a handful of contests to begin the campaign, Ji'Ayir Brown and either Mustapha or veteran defender George Odum would start in base defense. Mahoney should possess an opportunity to be Sorensen's fourth-choice safety if such a scenario comes to fruition.
Even if Hufanga is cleared for Week 1, I'd back Mahoney as the No. 5 (and final) safety on the roster. Competition for that spot includes Erik Harris and Tayler Hawkins. Harris is a 34-year-old veteran journeyman and Hawkins is a former UDFA who signed a futures/reserves contract. Not exactly a murderer's row of competition standing in his way.
It was actually Tashaun Gipson who played the most snaps (976) among all 49ers' safeties last season. The veteran Gipson remains a free agent and the 49ers haven't shown much interest in re-signing him. Two-time Super Bowl winner Logan Ryan also joined the defense in time for the postseason. Ryan announced his retirement in April. Both of these developments should help Mahoney throughout the summer.
The 49ers have undergone notable changes at safety this offseason. General manager John Lynch only gave Mahoney $35,000 in salary guarantees, but it's his skill set, not the financial commitment, that could help him claim a 53-man roster spot.
Other 49ers undrafted free agents worth monitoring throughout the summer include interior offensive linemen Drake Nugent and former Missouri running back Cody Schrader.