The 49ers have signed sixth-round TE Nate Byham to a four-year deal. The 6-4, 265-pound Byham becomes the fourth of eight 2010 draft picks to sign. Considered a solid blocker, Byham is also one of four drafted Niners rookies — first-round OT Anthony Davis and OL Mike Iupati and sixth-round RB Anthony Dixon are the others — who appear to be good fits in what is expected to be a more run-oriented, smashmouth offense under second-year coordinator Jimmy Raye.
A three-year starter at tight end, Byham saw action in 48 games (36 starts) during his career at Pittsburgh. He was twice selected to All-Big East teams.
In the 2010 Pro Football Weekly Draft Preview, personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki wrote that Byham "could become a solid pro if he learns to more consistently sink his hips, but will not add much value as a receiver."
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