ESPN's Len Pasquarelli is reporting that the 49ers have added another hybrid-type player to their defense, reaching agreement with Mark Washington, a former Texas State-San Marcos standout who was not selected in last week's NFL supplemental draft. Washington will sign a two-year contract for league minimum base salaries of $285,000 in 2007 and $370,000 in 2008, and the 49ers hope he can develop some of the pass-rush ability that he flashed at times during his abbreviated college career.
A defensive lineman at Texas State in 2006, and perhaps miscast at tackle, Washington was projected by most scouts as a linebacker at the NFL level, and, because of his diverse skills, thought to be best suited for a team that employs a 3-4 front. San Francisco converted full-time to a 3-4 defense in 2006. He began his college career at Arizona State and saw action in eight games there as a true freshman in 2005. But after taking two seasons off to concentrate on academics, Washington transferred to Texas State and was moved to end. He was subsequently switched to tackle, a position for which he was undersized, for the 2006 season.
In 11 games, Washington registered 29 tackles, 3 ½ sacks and three quarterback pressures, but he was often overwhelmed at the point of attack. At 6-feet-2, 250 pounds, Washington possesses good linebacker size and quickness, and has demonstrated the ability to come off the edge and chase the quarterback.
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