49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Wide receiver Malik Henry

Niner Noise’s 2019 “Who Is?” series on San Francisco 49ers players takes a look at an undersized-yet-intriguing wide receiver, Malik Henry, and his chances to make the 53-man roster this season.

The San Francisco 49ers are pretty crowded at wide receiver this offseason, meaning undrafted free-agent wideout Malik Henry doesn’t stand the best of chances to make the cut once Week 1 rolls around.

Henry’s path to an NFL squad in 2019 took an interesting route. He started his collegiate career off at Georgia Southern — the Niners’ Matt Breida and Jerick McKinnon both attended there — before transferring to West Georgia for his senior season.

As such, his Sports-Reference.com stats only post from Georgia Southern, where he was used sparingly:

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/3/2019.

After his transfer, Henry managed 30 catches for 407 yards with seven touchdowns, and he doubled as a punt returner, too.

Those attributes, combined with an impressive pro day, ultimately led to catching the 49ers’ attention once the 2019 NFL Draft concluded.

As far as making the 53-man roster, though, how much of a chance does Henry have?

Why Malik Henry Improves in 2019

Speaking of those pro-day numbers, Henry managed a solid 4.41 40-yard time and flashed strength with 22 reps on the 225-pound bench press. For a player weighing in at only 175 pounds, that’s awfully impressive. He’ll need that strength to compete at the next level.

The versatility, particularly on special teams, is something Henry prides himself on. And if he can flash some abilities there during training camp, he might be able to carve out a bit of a niche on the back end of San Francisco’s roster.

Why Malik Henry Regresses

For starters, Henry’s slight frame doesn’t do him any benefit. Sure, he’s 6-foot-0. But his slim build is going to raise questions about durability within the pro ranks.

Speed looks good. But with a 7.25 three-cone drill, one can ask how effective he’ll be in agility.

Plus, as is the case with many small-school athletes, there are going to be questions about the level of competition he faced in college. It could be too massive of a jump for Henry.

Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2019

Right now, it’s hard to view Henry as anything but a long shot. He’s a camp body, at best, and his frame all but suggests he’s competing for depth at slot receiver.

It’s easy to knock his size, sure. But keep in mind, the Niners’ third-year slot receiver, Trent Taylor, weighs just five more pounds than Henry. But Taylor had the production coming out of college, while Henry is still lacking in that department. College production isn’t everything, but it’s a factor when determining training camp pecking order.

Particularly for first-year players.

Henry would have to flash some explosive return abilities to have only the slightest of chances, given how many depth players are competing for duties at wide receiver. Even then, his best prospects for hanging around after the preseason are likely going to be on the practice squad.