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A handful of mock drafts project the 49ers select a receiver with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft later this month. This class is particularly deep at the position, and several names have been linked to San Francisco.
According to Bleacher Report insider Matt Miller, the 49ers have highlighted two receivers: Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry and South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel. The 49ers are looking to fill the “Z” receiver void after Pierre Garcon was released.
Here’s a bit from Miller’s latest “Stick to Football” podcast:
“I will say, man, sometimes I don’t tell you guys everything I hear because I’ve got to keep some stuff back to myself,” Miller said. “I’ve heard if N’Keal Harry’s gone, Deebo’s their guy at 36.”
Harry is regarded as a first-round talent. In his final two college seasons, he amassed 155 total catches for 2,230 yards and 17 touchdowns, including this ridiculous score:
MAN. AMONGST. BOYS. ? @NkealHarry15 #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/VpuSHePxT2
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 2, 2018
The 49ers coached Samuel at January’s Senior Bowl. By all accounts, he was one of the most impressive players throughout practices during the week leading up to the game.
There seems to be mutual interest here. When asked at the NFL Combine of his impressions of Kyle Shanahan, Samuel said Shanahan is “really cool” and that he “likes that playbook a lot.” The 49ers met with Samuel at the Combine.
A shifty, strong receiver who can play both inside and outside, Samuel piled up 62 catches for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2018, despite inconsistent quarterback play. His best game of the season came against eventual national champion Clemson. Samuel had 10 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns.
Based on Miller’s sources, the 49ers hope Harry is available at No. 36 overall, while Samuel would be the next-best option. Among the other wide receivers who could fit with the 49ers: Ole Miss’ A.J. Brown, Ohio State’s Parris Campbell, and Georgia’s Riley Ridley.
The 49ers may wait to draft a receiver with the No. 67 or No. 105 picks. But, for now, it’s looking like they will take a receiver in the second round for the second straight year. Last year, they traded up 15 picks to select Dante Pettis with the No. 44 overall pick, the highest Shanahan has ever drafted a receiver since he became an offensive coordinator or head coach.