There’s a popular theme developing in mock drafts with a month to go in the pre-draft process. The 49ers are regularly projected to take a wide receiver with the No. 13 pick, and a defensive player with the 31st overall pick. That’s the trend they follow in the latest four-round projections from the Draft Wire.
The way this mock plays out is a good example of how the wide receiver depth in this draft class benefits the 49ers. Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb, widely regarded as the top two receivers, go with the No. 11 and 12 picks, respectively.
That allows San Francisco to scoop up Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III to fill their need at the receiver spot.
While Ruggs turned in a scorching 4.27 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, there’s more to his game than speed. He’s a crafty route runner who can be effective down the field, but his acceleration makes him a home run threat in the short and intermediate passing attacks as well. From the Draft Wire:
Ruggs is a dangerous weapon who can stretch the field vertically and after the catch, capable of turning every touch into a huge play. The 49ers made a big trade for this pick, and they need someone who can make an immediate impact.
Ruggs would step in and provide an excellent balance for Deebo Samuel on the opposite side. While Samuel is a monster after the catch, he doesn’t have game-changing speed like Ruggs. Guarding against Ruggs’ speed
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