Taking a look at who today’s draft picks impact on the Niners roster
The San Francisco 49ers were always going to take a wide receiver. The team hosted 14 players at the position. What was a surprise was the team taking two receivers. Here are some winners and losers after Day 2 of the draft.
Loser-Every receiver not named Dante Pettis
It’s pretty clear that Kyle Shanahan was not happy with the production at receiver last year. You can isolate the play from the quarterback. Simply put, it wasn’t good enough. The addition of Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd give the 49ers much needed versatility and a shot of athleticism at the wide receiver position.
Winner-George Kittle
Kittle needs help. He was great last year, but it’s ignorant to think teams won’t change how they play him in 2019. The 49ers are going to need guys that can win 1-on-1. That’s Samuel and Hurd. That’s why they were the picks. I imagine any competent defensive coordinator would double Kittle in the red zone. This is where the draft picks come into play. It might not be right away, but this move will make life a lot easier on Kittle, especially if the Samuel/Hurd combo is as good as we think they are with the ball in their hands. That will force defenses to bring more defenders closer to the line, giving Kittle room to work between the 20’s.
Loser-Jerick McKinnon
We saw what McKinnon can do with the Minnesota Vikings. We got a glimpse in training camp last year, but McKinnon has to prove himself as a 49er. The selection of two guys that are known to be terrors when they have the ball in their hands will takeaway opportunities from a guy like McKinnon.
Shanahan knows what Matt Brieda can do. He handpicked Tevin Coleman after working with him in Atlanta. If one person is going to lose out on touches in the backfield after tonight, it’s McKinnon.
Winner-Jimmy Garoppolo
Man, I would have loved to see Garoppolo’s face Friday night after the team drafted two offensive players. Not just any offensive players, but guys that will make life a lot easier on Garoppolo. If Shanahan is able to scheme either or open, Garoppolo will find them. While the 49ers have good athletes at receiver, they just drastically improved in regards to receivers being able to create for themselves.
One thing that makes Tom Brady next level is his underneath accuracy. He hits players in stride and lets them do the work. Garoppolo should be able to pad his stats with these guys.
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