Each year, we like to run a series of posts called "90-in-90." The idea is that we'll take a look at every player on the roster, from the very bottom to the top and break them down a few ways. This roster will certainly change, and some days we'll have more than one so it's not exactly 90 players in 90 days. At this point, it's a name we're keeping around for street cred.
The San Francisco 49ers added a pair of undrafted free agent tight ends this offseason, in the form of Asante Cleveland and Kevin Greene. While Greene is making a transition from college defense to NFL offense, Cleveland first went to the University of Miami as a fairly impressive tight end prospect. His college career ended up fairly limited. He was primarily a blocking tight end, finishing his four year career at Miami with 14 receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown. he played in 40 games, starting 10.
The 49ers signed Cleveland ahead of the Patriots and Eagles. He had a big play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and that combined with his college blocking seemed to make him a priority free agent for some. He's a big guy, standing 6'4, 261 pounds, and he appears to be more about the physical than the speed, having run a 4.88 40 at the Combine. I could only find a couple scouting reports. Draft Insider had the most extensive, while the Palm Beach Post also had a few comments.
Expected 2014 impact:
He comes to San Francisco competing for the No. 3 tight end role. If he were to claim that role, he would spend most of his time as an extra blocker, and probably a special teams guy as well. If Vernon Davis continued his hold out into the regular season, it would open the door for him to get in on some offensive action. Given the 49ers other offensive additions, however, even that would still be limited. If he cannot beat out Garrett Celek or Derek Carrier for that third tight end role, he would seem to have a decent shot at a spot on the practice squad.
Odds of making the roster:
They are not great, but if he can show enough, it's not out of the realm of the possible for him to claim that third tight end role. Additionally, if Vernon Davis continues his hold out, it opens up another tight end role as long as Davis is away from the team. More than likely however, Cleveland's best chance is probably spending a season on the practice squad, assuming he is not claimed by another team.