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2019 NFL Scouting Combine: 5 pass-rushers who should intrigue 49ers

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Brian Allen of Utah runs the shuttle drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 06: Defensive back Brian Allen of Utah runs the shuttle drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 22: Jachai Polite #99 of the Florida Gators gets past Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter of the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

One of the more explosive pass-rushers the 49ers may want to consider is Florida’s Jachai Polite, who burst onto the scene with 11.0 sacks his junior season in 2018.

Polite, 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, is a little shorter than what most scouts would like to see at the position. Yet there’s no doubting the tenacity he can display when he gets into the pocket. One of the issues he’ll have to deal with, though, will be his practical strength when dealing with better blockers. At times, he can struggle with disengaging from tackles and guards.

That will be a difficult aspect to overcome at the padless NFL Scouting Combine, yet some of the functional strength should be on display.

Another area of concern the Niners should note is Polite’s relatively inabilities against the run. This wouldn’t be a problem if they’re planning on using him as a pass-rushing specialist only his first year, or so, in the league. But it’s something that may prompt getting better value (a trade down) from the No. 2 overall draft pick.

Either way, Polite’s performance at the combine should be something of note.