49ers make LB Ben Boulware final member of practice squad
Linebacker Ben Boulware, who was the was animated and emotional leader of Clemson's national championship defense last year, became the 10th and final member of the 49ers practice squad on Tuesday.
Boulware was signed by the Carolina Panthers -- who will visit Santa Clara on Sunday -- as an undrafted free agent and was released on Saturday.
Boulware won the Jack Lambert Award last season as the nation’s top linebacker, and he was the co-MVP of the national championship game against Alabama along with quarterback Deshaun Watson. He led the Tigers in tackles in each of the last two seasons and is known for his feisty, pugnacious play.
However, he also is undersized (6-0, 238) and not very fast having run his 40-yard dash in 4.86 seconds. A perceived lack of athleticism is the reason he fell out of the draft.
The 49ers have two excellent inside linebackers in NaVorro Bowman and Reuben Foster, the 31st pick of the draft. Behind them are Brock Coyle and Ray-Ray Armstrong, respectively.
For the rest of the team’s practice squad, click here.
News that the 49ers were interested in Boulware first was reported by TigerNet.
Matt Barrows: @mattbarrows, read more about the team at sacbee.com/sf49ers.
This story was originally published September 4, 2017 at 9:12 PM.