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Why 49ers Should Be Talking About EDGE Trey Hendrickson

By Robert Smith

Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;East Team defensive end Trey Hendrickson (99) rushes during the second half of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. West Team defeated the East Team 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;East Team defensive end Trey Hendrickson (99) rushes during the second half of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. West Team defeated the East Team 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the 2017 NFL Draft nears, months of draftniks researching, studying and scouting players has left very few players not been mentioned, scouted or film broken down thoroughly. However, there is a small school player San Francisco 49ers fans may want to get to know — Trey Hendrickson.

His name is Trey Hendrickson from Florida Atlantic, a prolific edge rusher the San Francisco 49ers may want to consider in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Even with the terrific numbers he has put up the past few seasons, Hendrickson may be overlooked and underrated.

A 6-foot-4, 270-pound edge rusher, Hendrickson recorded 29.5 sacks and 42 tackles for loss in his four years, three as a starter. This past season, he also was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. He also was the Most Outstanding Defensive Player at the East-West Shrine Game.

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Yet even with these accolades, he was still flying under the radar heading into the NFL Scouting Combine.

But that didn’t last long.

Once there, Hendrickson posted the second best 5-10-5 shuttle among defensive linemen. He was also second-fastest in the 10-yard split in the group, and he was a solid fifth place in the 60-yard shuttle.

Hendrickson’s quick first step will allow him to play the edge in the Niner’s 4-3 defense. He could also be utilized in situational 3-4 schemes, giving him versatility and added value.

The video above shows some of Hendrickson’s highlights with FAU.  As you can see, he has the speed rush off the edge to get to the quarterback, and with a 40-time of 4.65, he can pursue across the field and continue making plays.

He also is excellent at causing fumbles, forcing a combined six in his junior and senior seasons.

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As the 49ers look to rebuild their defense, the edge rusher will play a huge part in making Robert Saleh’s defense effective. And with Aaron Lynch underperforming, once he returned from his four game suspension, and Ahmad Brooks slowing down and showing all of his 33 years, the Niners could certainly use an infusion at that position.

Chances are Cleveland takes the consensus top pick in Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett. But perhaps the Niners find a way to trade back and draft Tennessee’s Derek Barnett in the first round, or look for help in the second or third with Kansas State’s Jordan Willis or Illinois’ Carroll Phillips.

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But if they decide to wait on selecting a defensive end or edge rusher until the latter rounds, Hendrickson would be a great find for the 49ers.