Niner Noise
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49ers NFL Draft needs: 2018 edge rusher big board

By Aaron Tan

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: The FIU Panthers and UTSA Roadrunners line up for a snap during the game at Riccardo Silva Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: The FIU Panthers and UTSA Roadrunners line up for a snap during the game at Riccardo Silva Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Marcus Davenport (UTSA)

Last year, Marcus Davenport made the tough decision to return to UTSA for his senior year — and it’s a good thing he did. He gets bigger every year, and as a result, he has skyrocketed up NFL Draft boards everywhere.

Davenport is a pretty huge guy (6-foot-6 and 255 pounds) and it shows on tape. Although he isn’t the fastest edge defender out there, it doesn’t even matter. Due to his raw power, Davenport is able to just run through offensive linemen, getting to the quarterback with ease.

A knock on him is that UTSA is not a school known for a great football program, and as a result, Davenport has only played against lower-level competition. Also, I’ve noticed that Davenport embraces contact, going full out on his blocker every snap, which has worked for him so far since he is much stronger than the competition that he faced.

However, in the NFL, it will be much more even. Offensive linemen are going to be experienced and powerful. Davenport will need to learn to be a little more patient on his lineman while rushing the passer.

Nevertheless, Davenport is still the best EDGE prospects in the class. I wouldn’t mind at all if the 49ers used their second-round pick on him.