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2018 NFL Scouting Combine: 10 players who should be on 49ers’ radar

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Outside linebacker Jabrill Peppers of Michigan prepares to run the 40-yard dash during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 07: Mike Bercovici #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is sacked by Hercules Mata’afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Arizona State 38-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 07: Mike Bercovici #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils is sacked by Hercules Mata’afa #50 of the Washington State Cougars in the second half at Martin Stadium on November 7, 2015 in Pullman, Washington. Washington State defeated Arizona State 38-24. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

No. 2: EDGE Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State

6-foot-2, 252 pounds

Collegiate Stats

The 49ers need some serious pass-rushing help after finishing 2017 tied for 26th in the league with 30 sacks.

Defenses like those of coordinator Robert Saleh call for the right defensive end, or LEO, to be the primary pass-rusher. And here is where Washington State’s Hercules Mata’afa comes into play.

At 6-foot-2, Mata’afa is a bit undersized for traditional pass-rushing roles. Yet Saleh’s EDGE players typically wind up being on the smaller, more physical side. And Fourth and Nine’s Dylan DeSimone would back this up with the following argument:

"Mata’afa embodies everything Saleh desires in his defense and projects to play a position they’re looking to fill. As a constant presence in the backfield, the Wazzu product plays violent, fast and with a chip on his shoulder. His hyperactive play speed and pop at the point of contact really captures his game. He also matches the size requirements for a Leo…"

A Round 2 or 3 pick, the Niners can look to another position of need with their first selection hoping Mata’afa falls to them on day two.