The 49ers are in need of an upgrade at receiver. Here’s one option in each of the first four rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft.
The San Francisco 49ers are likely to add a receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team parted ways with veteran Pierre Garçon in the offseason, and despite adding free agent Jordan Matthews, Kyle Shanahan’s offense is still in need of additional firepower for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Luckily for the 49ers, this year’s draft is stacked with quality receivers that are likely to remain on the board into Day 3. Here are some receiving options for general manager John Lynch in each of the first four rounds.
Round 1: DK Metcalf, Ole Miss
No prospect had a better offseason than Metcalf. The former Ole Miss receiver has cemented himself as a first-round pick after an outrageous combine performance. At 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, Metcalf possesses the size, power and speed (4.33 40-yard dash) to dominate in the NFL. Kyle Shanahan’s offense would again be blessed with a truly intimidating presence like he had with Julio Jones as offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. Metcalf’s ceiling would be sky-high with the 49ers. If San Francisco trades out of the second-overall pick, perhaps with the New York Giants at No. 6 or the Denver Broncos at 10, Metcalf becomes a realistic target.
Other options: A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
Round 2: Hakeem Butler, Iowa State
The 49ers’ offense excelled moving the ball down the field but routinely struggled in the red zone, inside the 20-yard line. A 6-foot-5, 227-pound receiver with a 36-inch vertical leap can help. Butler, a 2018 second-team All-Big 12 pick, racked up 60 receptions for 1,318 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cyclones last season. He averaged an impressive 22 yards per reception, routinely bullying defenders at the catch point and breaking tackles downfield. Like Metcalf, a receiver of Butler’s caliber would give Shanahan’s offense a much-needed big-play threat and target in the end zone. In most mock drafts, Butler is projected to fall to the 49ers at pick No. 36, but don’t be surprised if his name is called on Day 1.
Another option: Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Round 3: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford
A strong contingent of the 49ers front office attended Stanford’s Pro Day last week. Lynch, Shanahan and new receivers coach Wes Welker were all there to see Arcega-Whiteside’s athleticism in person. He didn’t disappoint, running a reported 4.49 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds. The son of two professional athletes, Arcega-Whiteside has made a career of taking advantage of his innate ability. He might be the best receiving prospect in the draft at boxing out defenders and going up for the ball. The Cardinals standout totaled 63 catches for 1,059 yards and an impressive 14 touchdowns in 2018. Arcega-Whiteside is another big-bodied receiver to bolster the 49ers’ efforts in the red zone that should be available in the third round.
Another option: Riley Ridley, Georgia
Round 4: Miles Boykin, Notre Dame
Noticing a trend? For those that haven’t, every one of the receivers highlighted so far is at least 6-foot-2. Size shouldn’t be the deciding factor of which wideout the 49ers should target, but it just so happens that this draft is stacked with big, athletic pass catchers. Boykin is no different. The Notre Dame product entered on to the scene in 2018, catching 59 passes for 872 yards and eight touchdowns. Boykin’s production isn’t eye-popping, but his athleticism is. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash. 43.5 inch vertical and 6.77 3-cone, all very impressive for his size. Boykin’s stock currently sits as at early Day 3, but don’t be surprised if he goes sooner. For a more in-depth look at Boykin, check out Kyle’s breakdown here.
Another option: Anthony Johnson, Buffalo