The 49ers signed Pauling as an undrafted free agent Sunday.
Pauling ended his final college season at Notre Dame, starting six games at wide receiver for the Fighting Irish. The 23-year-old accumulated 26 receptions for 381 yards and six touchdowns over 12 contests as a fifth-year senior. Pauling's speed and quickness provide upside for him as a special-teams producer that can also develop offensive value. If he wants to survive the 49ers' cut-down day, he will have to make his versatility potential clear in training camp.