Undrafted rookie defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez is quickly making waves during San Francisco 49ers training camp, impressing offensive linemen with his power and agility. His teammates have even dubbed him "The Hulk," a nickname that reflects the physical strength he brings to the field—and Valdez hopes it will help secure him a roster spot.
"I actually haven't gone against him yet, but from what I see—we call him 'The Hulk,'" right guard Dominick Puni said last week. "He looks crazy. He's really built, he's fast, he's twitchy, he's good off the ball. He gives us trouble in one-on-one pass situations because he's really twitchy, and he's got good hands. But once he gets going, he's going to be a problem. I think they got a good one with him."
As an undrafted free agent, Valdez had his pick of teams. So why choose the 49ers?
"I think the scheme fit me the best," Valdez said on Saturday night, after San Francisco's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. "The 49ers are known to be a very dominant front, and when you look at tape from them from years past, you look at that team and you say you want to be a part of that team, and you want to be a part of that scheme.
"I thought the 49ers were the best scheme for me, and obviously, [defensive line coach] Kris [Kocurek] is a good, great coach—a lot to learn from him."
Valdez shared that his commitment to strength training started in high school, when he realized that his power gave him an edge over opponents. That dedication only grew through college and into his NFL journey. Although he humbly admitted he doesn't track his best lifting stats, his teammates' respect speaks volumes.
Despite going undrafted, Valdez is confident he belongs at the professional level, but he knows earning his spot will take a lot of hard work.
"I mean, there's always some doubt," Valdez said. "There's always some feelings of being overwhelmed, but there was never a feeling that I don't belong here. I knew that I can overcome anything that comes to me, and I know I'm an NFL player at heart, and I know that once I get the chance and the opportunity, like tonight, I'm going to show out, and do what I know I can."
With his relentless work ethic and physical power, Valdez looks to prove he can contribute on a revamped 49ers defensive front.