My Favorite 49ers UDFA and Roster Countdown 63-59
The 49ers Rush Podcast dives into a deeply personal and passionate roster countdown, spotlighting undrafted free agents and overlooked talent. At the heart of the episode is a raw tribute to Alden Smith, a 36-year-old man who died after delivering pizzas to a homeless shelter, prompting host John Chapman to deliver a powerful message about cherishing time with loved ones. Amid the grief, the episode shifts to a vibrant breakdown of the 49ers' 59-63 roster, with standout praise for Jack Baumeister, a 27-year-old Australian punter whose elite performance in high-pressure games makes him a dark horse for the job despite visa issues. Khalil Deakins, a 6'4" Penn State tight end with NFL pedigree and elite blocking upside, is hailed as a potential game-changer if George Kittle misses time. Sebastian Valdez, the 'Hulk' defensive tackle, earns cult status despite zero NFL snaps, beloved for his work ethic and fan-driven hype. Isaac Garendo’s torn pec injury is framed not as a tragedy but as a potential lifeline, allowing him to stay on the practice squad without counting against the 53-man roster. The episode culminates with Curtis Rourke, the 'Maple Missile' — a 25-year-old Canadian quarterback with two college degrees, a torn ACL, and a fearless mindset — who’s being groomed as the future backup to Brock Purdy. Chapman argues that drafting Rourke in the seventh round was a masterstroke, betting on a 1% chance of a franchise QB while securing four years of control for minimal cost.
Jack Baumeister, a 27-year-old Australian punter, is a game-changer in big moments despite visa delays and not being on the roster yet.
Khalil Deakins, a 6'4" Penn State tight end with elite blocking skills and NFL pedigree, could be the 49ers' answer to George Kittle's potential absence.
Sebastian Valdez, the 'Hulk' defensive tackle, has zero NFL snaps but is beloved by fans and coaches for his work ethic and intensity.
Isaac Garendo’s torn pec injury may actually help him stay on the 49ers’ practice squad for an extra year, avoiding roster spot count.
Curtis Rourke, the 'Maple Missile,' was drafted in the seventh round with a torn ACL and is being redshirted to preserve four years of team control.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
A Tribute to Alden Smith and the Value of Presence
“Cherish your loved ones, cherish the time that you have who knows when our number is called or whatever that is, but just, um, try to be present and try to be there for those that need help.”
Jack Baumeister: The 27-Year-Old Australian Punter with Big Game DNA
“He was best in big games at Utah. He was best in big games at Texas, and he has experience. He's 27 years old as a rookie. He played 50-plus games.”
Khalil Deakins: The Undrafted Tight End with NFL Potential
“If George Kittle does miss time early, which I think that he will and probably should. Don't rush him back. 32 on Achilles, short timeframe. That's rough.”
Sebastian Valdez: The 'Hulk' Who Never Played a Snap
“This dude is a wrecking ball that is just awesome. When coaches and fans and players all love the guy, it's like there have been diagrams somewhere that's just like in the middle of Sebastian Valdez.”
Isaac Garendo: The Injury That Might Save His Career
“I think the torn pec helps him. I think the torn pick allows him to stick around on this team more than if he was healthy because he got passed by Jordan James last year as soon as Jordan James got healthy.”
“Again, I would rather draft Curtis Rourke 100 times out of 100 drafts than to ever spend that pick on a punter or a long snapper or a kicker because you might get a franchise quarterback.”
“I think the torn pec helps him. I think the torn pick allows him to stick around on this team more than if he was healthy because he got passed by Jordan James last year as soon as Jordan James got healthy.”
“This dude is a wrecking ball that is just awesome. When coaches and fans and players all love the guy, it's like there have been diagrams somewhere that's just like in the middle of Sebastian Valdez.”
Host
Khalil Deakins
person
Sebastian Valdez
person
Curtis Rourke
person
Jack Baumeister
person
Isaac Garendo
person
John Chapman
person
George Kittle
person
Penn State
organization
Utah
organization
Brock Purdy
person
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