San Francisco 49ers: Sign Rookie Tight End Nate Byham To Four-Year Deal

The San Francisco 49ers announced, today, that they have officially signed rookie TE Nate Byham to a four-year contract. The team took him in the sixth-round with the 182nd overall selection in this year's draft. 

Byham was a three-year starter at the University of Pittsburgh and was a two-time All-Big East Team selection, earning first-team honors in his junior year and second-team honors in his senior campaign.

Even though he isn’t an elite pass catcher, he’s an exceptional in-line blocker, arguably the best in this year’s tight end rookie class. During the pre-draft process, scouts raved about his physical style of play and overall power. In a press conference shortly after he was drafted, he stated, “I like to bloody noses.”

In an interview with Scott Kegley of TV 49, Byham said, “That’s my style of play in a nutshell. I’m trying to go out there and be physical, make contact, and move bodies.” Those are the exact qualities that the team hopes he will demonstrate as they continue to grow as a smash-mouth offense.

The tight end will join an already solid unit, led by Pro Bowler Vernon Davis. “Our tight end core is just stacked," he said. "We’ve got guys who can do everything. And their really good at everything. So we’ve got a really well-rounded group. There aren't too many teams out there that can say they’re as blessed at the tight end spot as we are” he said."

While Byham won’t be a starter, expect him to get quality playing time on running downs. The team is hoping that he can set the edge and pave the way for their rushing attack.

When asked what his goals were, he said, “Just be able to contribute in any way possible. We want to win every game. That’s our goal. To win the Super Bowl and win every game we play in. Individually, I just want to be able to contribute to that. “

Overall, he’s a talented player and I’m excited about what he has to offer. I’m hoping that he’s given the opportunity to make plays and I wish him the best of luck with his NFL career.