Another offensive player isn’t too high on the 49ers ’list of priorities in this year’s NFL draft, but there’s a growing possibility that the country’s most prolific receiver last season could drop to No. 12. Instead of shunning Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith to change or look for a player in a position of more urgent need, the 49ers of the latest NFL Wire drill pick up Smith and give themselves perhaps the best group of passers-by. the NFL.
On the surface it doesn’t make much sense, as Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are the top two receivers, but they both dealt with injuries last year and Kendrick Bourne’s departure to free agency left the third wide receiver vacant. Smith can do everything Bourne could do in the 49ers offense and then some.
Here is Doug Farrar, who was the author of the drill:
If you want to find stats detailing his versatility and perfect fit in any offense, last season he ranked first in the NCAA in receptions and deep yards, and first in receipts and display yards. Wherever you are in the field, Smith will find a way to smoke your defense.
Smith also filled in the traditional score of the box. In 2019 he posted 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns on 68 catches. It was followed by 117 receptions, 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to the Heisman Trophy victory last year.
It affects games in so many ways that it would be hard to hit San Francisco to catch the best player available. They should work hard to meet some other needs later in the draft, but Smith would certainly give the 49ers one of the NFL’s most prolific playgroups.