The 2018 NFL Draft is a month away, and teams are starting to narrow down their draft boards, both up top and deep down at the bottom. The San Francisco 49ers have at least one representative at each Pro Day around the country, and that is going to help fill out potential late day three picks and UDFAs.
The 49ers met with a potential day three or UDFA option this week. The team met with Houston Baptist cornerback Chris Hardeman following the Rice Pro Day. Houston Baptist is an FCS school and does not have a Pro Day, so Hardeman took part in the Rice Pro Day after already working out at the Prairie View A&M Pro Day.
Houston Baptist CB Chris Hardeman @Chris_Hardeman1 stood on 4.33 from Prairie View Pro Day, did 35.5 vertical today at Rice Pro Day today, talked with Browns, Jaguars, Broncos, 49ers, Titans. Alief Taylor graduate
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 29, 2018
A 4.33 40 is impressive, although a Pro Day 40 can never be taken entirely seriously. That being said, even if it bumps into the 4.40s, that’s pretty impressive. Teams will be breaking down what film they can to see how that translates to the game. If it does translate, Hardeman is a guy who could go off the board late.
Hardeman first enrolled in Oklahoma State, but spent the last two years at Houston Baptist. He stands 5’8 and a half, and weighs 193 pounds. One report suggests he can play safety and both outside and nickel corner.
He’ll need that kind of versatility given where he is likely to be drafted. And of course, special teams will be where he likely makes his bones as a rookie. The seventh round is where teams can invest in a player who has the raw skills even with questions about how it converts on the field. It seems like Hardeman could fit in that mold.