NFL: Hayne's drive 'incredible'

Jarryd Hayne has up to five months to impress San Francisco coaches. Photo / Getty Images

Jarryd Hayne's upcoming NFL adventure is a bit like "walking the high wire without a safety net", according to his American agent.

This week Hayne signed a three-year futures deal with the San Francisco 49ers and will be part of the practice squad when pre-season training starts next month.

But he is still a long way from making it on to the final 53-man-roster, and the former NRL star who could be cut at any time.

"Jarryd is completely committed to his dream," agent Jack Bechta told the Herald on Sunday. "He knows it's just the first step but he doesn't have a plan B.

"He's taking a big chance - walking the high wire without a safety net - and you have to admire that. His ambition, his drive, is incredible."

Bechta has headed his own agency since 1991 and has represented more than 150 players, including several first-round draft picks.

"I don't need Jarryd but I wanted to work with him," said Bechta. "I wanted to be on board for this journey and give him the best possible chance."

Hayne's road to an NFL jersey is convoluted. He'll report for 49ers training in April, before official squad practice starts at the end of May.

Cuts to the roster could be made any time after that. Hayne will have about five months to impress but Bechta is convinced the 27-year-old former Parramatta Eels star has got the right stuff.

Agent Jack Bechta.

"I wouldn't be wasting my time on this if I didn't think he could make it," said Bechta. "All of the physical tools and skill-set are already in place and I think [49ers coaching staff] will be surprised how far along he is already." Bechta was impressed after studying tape of Hayne in action for New South Wales, then surprised when he watched him in the flesh.

"When I first saw him competing and practising, it looked like this had been done before," he said. "You wouldn't have known he had just walked in from Australia. Watching him catch and move and even punt - it all looked very natural."

Bechta says the 49ers appealed because members of their coaching staff have worked in NFL Europe, with experience of developing American football novices. He is enthusiastic about Hayne's speed-to-weight ratio, and sees him as a possible running back, but his best initial chance will be on a special team, probably as a punt returner.

"Let's not kid ourselves - it's a tough road," Bechta said. "I like to say the NFL stands for 'Not For Long'. But he's very confident, determined and he's got humility. It's an ideal mix."