NFL Draft Profile: Wide Receiver Hunter Renfrow of Clemson

Today we take a closer look at the reliable slot receiver and potential day 3 selection Hunter Renfrow of Clemson and see if he is a fit for the 49ers.

Greetings Faithful! We are back with another scouting report! The final days leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft have arrived, and with it are countless amounts of rumors, mock drafts, and quotes from teams’ front offices and coaches. If your plate isn’t full enough, we even have plenty of quotes from players both active and retired on what their respective teams should do as far as selecting players.

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Today, our focus an attention turns to the receiving position. The San Francisco 49ers are most likely going to take a receiver, perhaps even two before the conclusion of the draft. There is strong belief that the 49ers will select a receiver on day two of the NFL Draft. We have discussed and analyzed multiple receivers that the team can select on day two. Today, we are going to talk about a receiver the team can have on day three. His name is Hunter Renfrow. Just like Adam Humphries before him, Renfrow has the potential to be the next great Clemson slot receiver to find success at the pro level. Let’s learn about how the once walk-on turned two-time national champion can help the 49ers.

Combine Results:

40 Time: 4.59
Bench Press: 7 Reps
Vertical Jump: 35.0”
Broad Jump: 116.0”
3 Cone Drill: 6.80
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.19
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.39

Measurables:

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 184 lbs.
Hands: 7 7/8”
Arms: 29 1/8”

Summary:

From walk-on to national title clinching touchdown reception, Hunter Renfrow seems to have done it all in his four seasons for the Clemson Tigers. While names like Trevor Lawrence, Tee Higgins, and Travis Etienne receive the bulk of the national media attention on offense, Hunter Renfrow has slowly but surely put together a truly remarkable collegiate career. Renfrow is as reliable as they come at the receiver position with strong, reliable hands, rarely dropping a pass thrown in his direction.

On multiple occasions Renfrow moved the chains for the Tigers on third down conversions, particularly in third and short situations. While Renfrow is not explosive or a burner, Renfrow does have quick feet and initial burst to create separation from defenders in zone and man to man coverage schemes.

Has great bend, and is one of the best low-ball receivers in the nation. Due to his lack of size, there is a limit to his catch radius and window the quarterback has available to him. However, on multiple occasions Renfrow has mad acrobatic receptions over the top.

Renfrow does have a limited route-tree. Renfrow primarily lined up in the slot, which is his natural position, and where he will find the most success at the next level. Performs his best in the short and intermediate levels on the field. Was almost never asked to run deep in Clemson’s system, however when he did, he worked to get his hands on the football even in tight coverage as shown below.

Vision and awareness with the ball in his possession are outstanding. Will shift and change direction, and often finds additional yards after the reception. Below, the entire South Carolina defense learns the hard way of trying to stop Renfrow after the reception.

Overall, Renfrow has natural instincts when the ball is in his possession. His size and frame are going to be the biggest concern scouts and evaluators have. He is not at all a receiver who has size or plays physical. However, Renfrow plays to the level of his competition.

Played his best football against Alabama in all national title games (2015, 2016, 2018) against perhaps the best defense in the nation. As far as clutch player goes, Renfrow might go down as one of the best in Clemson football history. He is also responsible for catching the biggest touchdown in Clemson history (See 2nd video below).

His size and frame are a concern. However, Renfrow is a receiver who catches everything throw his way, who can shift and change direction to evade defenders, and in the right system can be dangerous at the first and second levels on the field. Renfrow can potentially be a late-round gem on the third day of the NFL Draft.

Is Hunter Renfrow a fit for the 49ers?

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Kyle Shanahan is the type of coach and offensive mind that can take essentially any receiver and put them in a position to get open and succeed at all three levels on the field. The head coach alone makes Renfrow and almost any receiver in this draft a fit in an offense that desperately needs multiple playmakers. Yes, the team has Trent Taylor, however after back injuries limited him in 2018 it might not hurt the team to invest in depth at the slot position. While Renfrow is undersized, what you are getting is a receiver who doesn’t drop the football, can move the chains, and can rise to the occasion when the lights are shinning their brightest. If the team is looking to address a day three pick at the position whether they use a day two pick or not, Hunter Renfrow can be a steal and late round gem for the team that selects him. Hunter Renfrow’s value is somewhere between the fifth and sixth rounds of the NFL Draft.

What are YOUR thoughts on Hunter Renfrow? If the 49ers are looking to invest a day three pick in a receiver is Renfrow a good fit for the team? Please share in the comments below!