In a move that caught the NFL world by surprise, the San Francisco 49ers have signed Stone Blanton, a standout linebacker from Mississippi State, as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) following the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite a stellar 2024 season where he recorded 125 tackles—ranking second in the SEC and ninth nationally—Blanton was inexplicably left out of the NFL Scouting Combine, a snub that saw him go undrafted. Undeterred, the 49ers pounced on the opportunity, offering him a contract with $92,000 in guaranteed money, a bold statement of faith in a player overlooked by the league. As the 49ers look to rebuild their linebacker corps in the wake of Dre Greenlaw’s departure, Blanton’s signing raises intriguing questions: Can this SEC star defy the odds and become the next undrafted gem to shine in San Francisco?
Who is Stone Blanton?
Stone Blanton, a linebacker from Mississippi State, emerged as a notable name following the 2025 NFL Draft when the San Francisco 49ers signed him as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, Blanton was a standout at Madison-Ridgeland Academy, excelling in both football and baseball. Opting for football, he began his college career at South Carolina before transferring to Mississippi State, where he shone in the 2024 season. Recording 125 tackles (second in the SEC and ninth nationally), 3.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, Blanton established himself as one of the SEC’s top linebackers. Additionally, he earned recognition on the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll and the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, showcasing his balance of athletic and academic excellence.
Despite his impressive stats, Blanton was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, a critical platform for players to showcase their skills to NFL scouts. This likely contributed to him going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the 49ers saw untapped potential and swiftly signed him to a contract with $92,000 in guaranteed money—a significant sum for a UDFA—signaling their confidence in his abilities.
Analysis of Stone Blanton’s Strengths
Stone Blanton brings a range of strengths that make him an intriguing addition to the 49ers, particularly as the team seeks to bolster depth at the linebacker position:
Elite Tackling Ability: With 125 tackles in the 2024 season, Blanton demonstrates sharp play-reading skills and quick reactions. He consistently positions himself to stop runs or pursue quarterbacks, a critical asset in the 49ers’ Wide 9 defensive scheme, which demands linebackers to cover wide spaces and move fluidly. Durability and Versatility: Blanton is capable of playing both weakside (WILL) and strongside (SAM) linebacker roles, offering flexibility to the defense. His ability to contribute in run defense, coverage, and even occasional pass-rushing situations makes him a versatile player suited to the 49ers’ dynamic defensive approach. Leadership and Mental Toughness: As a leader of Mississippi State’s defense, Blanton is praised for his communication and on-field leadership. This is vital when playing alongside Fred Warner, one of the NFL’s premier linebackers, who needs a reliable partner to maintain defensive cohesion. Physicality and Development Potential: Despite a modest 4.71/10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), Blanton has a suitable frame (6’2”, approximately 230 pounds) and explosive bursts in critical moments. With NFL-level coaching, particularly from the 49ers’ staff like Kris Kocurek and K.J. Wright, he has the potential to improve his speed and technique. Academic Value and Work Ethic: Blanton’s academic achievements reflect his discipline and strategic thinking, qualities that could help him quickly adapt to the 49ers’ complex defensive schemes and learn from veterans like Warner.
Why the 49ers Chose to Sign Stone Blanton
The San Francisco 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, are renowned for their ability to unearth “hidden gems” through UDFA signings, as seen with players like Dre Greenlaw and George Kittle. Signing Blanton aligns with this strategy and is driven by the following factors:
Urgent Need at Linebacker: The departure of Dre Greenlaw (who joined the Denver Broncos) left a significant gap in the 49ers’ defense. While the team drafted Nick Martin in the third round and expects Dee Winters to step up, they still need depth to ensure stability. Blanton’s SEC experience and standout stats make him a compelling candidate to compete and add strength to the linebacker corps. Strategy of Targeting High-Value UDFAs: The 49ers frequently sign UDFAs with high potential but low draft stock, such as Jakob Robinson (cornerback) or Isaiah Neyor (wide receiver) in the same 2025 draft cycle. Blanton, despite missing the Combine, boasts superior stats compared to many drafted players, making him a low-cost, high-reward signing. The $92,000 guaranteed money reflects the 49ers’ willingness to invest in him while keeping financial risk minimal. Fit with the Wide 9 Defensive Scheme: The 49ers’ Wide 9 scheme requires linebackers who can cover space, read plays quickly, and engage in tackles near the sidelines. Blanton’s fluid movement and tackling prowess align well with these demands. He could serve as a backup or contribute on special teams, an area the 49ers are looking to improve. Capitalizing on the Combine Oversight: Blanton’s absence from the Combine may have been a misstep in the NFL’s evaluation process, and the 49ers were quick to capitalize on this opportunity. Teams like the 49ers often rely on game tape and Pro Day performances to assess players, rather than solely Combine metrics. Blanton’s 125 tackles in the SEC are a clear testament to his talent, regardless of his lack of Combine exposure. Long-Term Vision and Team Culture: The 49ers are in a phase of subtle roster retooling, aiming to rejuvenate the team while remaining competitive. Blanton, with his youth, work ethic, and ability to learn, fits the team’s culture, which encourages competition and growth. He could become a long-term project, much like how the 49ers developed Greenlaw from a fifth-round pick into a defensive cornerstone.
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers’ decision to sign Stone Blanton is a shocking yet calculated move, showcasing their knack for identifying talent. Overlooked at the NFL Combine, Blanton brings durability, elite tackling ability, and leadership, promising to be a valuable piece in the 49ers’ defense. With fierce competition at the linebacker position and the pressure to fill Dre Greenlaw’s shoes, Blanton will need to prove himself in training camp and preseason. However, if he realizes his potential, he could become the next 49ers success story, following in the footsteps of their legendary UDFAs. The question remains: Can Blanton rise to the challenge and become the next Fred Warner or Dre Greenlaw? Only time will tell.