The 49ers addressed the wide receiver position in a big way.
The third day of the 2019 NFL Draft is about to get going, and the San Francisco 49ers currently have three picks left. Day two saw them beef up their passing game, selecting South Carolina wide receiver Deebo Samuel and Baylor wide receiver Jalen Hurd.
One receiver was not a surprise, but going with back-to-back picks on the position tells us something about what Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch want to do in 2019. The team has gotten solid production from some of its receivers the past two years, but they are not messing around in shaking up the group.
Deebo dominated on slant routes, and is a physical receiver with great hands. He played for the 49ers coaching staff at the Senior Bowl and filled Pierre Garçon’s Z-receiver role. He can play inside and outside, but long term he is likely looking at that Z role.
Hurd was a little bit of a surprise pick, but he could be an intriguing versatile threat. He started his football career as a running back, but at 6’5, it made sense he would move to receiver or tight end. He was drafted as a wide receiver, but Kyle Shanahan sees him as a guy who can play receiver, tight end, OR running back. As some have mentioned, he could end up in a more receiver-heavy Delanie Walker Swiss Army Knife role.
We opened up a poll earlier this morning to grade the two picks and for the time being, Deebo is getting an A, with 48 percent of the vote. Hurd is getting a C, with 39 percent of the vote.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter is a fan of the team’s Day 2 work, giving them an A after giving them an A in round one. He loves Samuel’s toughness and thinks Hurd could prove to be a steal.
Samuel’s ability to work inside and outside, his toughness, and his strong hands made him a no-brainer pick for the receiver-needy Niners in Round 2. Hurd could be a big steal if he continues to grow as a receiver. The selection of two wideouts was somewhat expected, given their lack of talent at the position. Finding some help for the secondary in Rounds 4 and 5 would seem prudent.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco is less of a fan of the picks. He gave the Samuel pick a B and the Hurd pick a C-. Here’s what he said about each.
Samuel: I think there were better options here. I think Parris Campbell or even DK Metcalf would have been a better option. This kid just does not run that well and I’m concerned, he’s only 5-11.
Hurd: Hurd is raw but he has talent. He made the position move from running back to receiver at Baylor, so he’s still growing as a player. This was a little high for him, especially after taking another receiver in Round 2.
Other grades
Bleacher Report: Samuel — A, Hurd — B-
DraftWire: Samuel — B, Hurd — C
SI: Samuel — B, Hurd — B-
About the Author: Insidethe49
