UNC Football: Garrett Walston signs with the San Francisco 49ers

Former UNC football standout tight end Garrett Walston has signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. 

After the NFL Draft concluded, the San Francisco 49ers brought in a duo of talented UNC football players as undrafted free agents.

First, it was linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel. Shortly after, the team also reached an agreement with tight end Garrett Walston.

The Wilmington, North Carolina native was not utilized much in the Tar Heels’ offensive scheme, as he recorded just 37 catches for 439 yards and four touchdowns over the last two seasons. However, he does possess some traits that make him an interesting undrafted free agent target.

Prior to the NFL Draft, here are some of the positive things that stood out to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network:

"Hard-working tight end with average athleticism. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, displays excellent route discipline, and finds ways to separate from defenders. Extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Gives effort blocking at the line of scrimmage and downfield, and he squares into defenders to take them from the action."

His lack of size, combined with his below-average and average blocking ability, are the likely reasons why he wasn’t selected as part of the NFL Draft. However, he’s a hard-working player who has room to develop and could benefit from working alongside a player like George Kittle, who is regarded as one of the top tight ends in the entire sport.

If he can impress early on in rookie camp, maybe there will be a spot for Walston on the 49ers’ tight end depth chart moving forward.

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