The San Francisco 49ers have a big decision to make on their star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Reports are that he is demanding big money and while the team may or may not pay him, the trade talks have already started to heat. Where the team currently stands they have their first pick this year at 61st overall.
So, unless they trade Deebo Samuel, it may be hard for the team to find a legitimate wide receiver who can step in and eat into his work. Still, the 49ers can find some depth in this wide receiver class as they try to build the room up to a point where they may feel more comfortable making a decision on Samuel.
Who are some wide receivers that will not be drafted in the top 60 picks that could be in the range for the 49ers?
3. David Bell
David Bell has a lot of traits that would make him a great fit with the 49ers. He is a possession wide receiver who was one of the best in the country at yards after the catch last season. He is also a precise route runner who wins with timing.
That is all the 49ers ask of their wideouts. He is not the fastest, and his NFL combines guarantee that he will fall out of the top 60 picks.
Still, his tape at Purdue says he is one of the better technicians in this class, and Kyle Shanahan would love to watch him get the ball and knock away tacklers with his size while they laugh off of questions of speed. If Bell is a day three pick to the 49ers, he will become a sleeper of the draft.
2. Velus Jones
Velus Jones is an older wide receiver and will be 25 as a rookie. Still, he fills an exact role and the 49ers could use it. 49ers fans can think of Jones similarly to Kendrick Bourne. He can block on the outside, and he is not afraid to play special teams.
With Brandin Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jajuan Jennings ahead of RayRay McCloud, and Jones, the team would have its five wide complete. McCloud is a small slot who can return kicks while Jones is an outside receiver and red zone weapon who is a gunner on special teams.
1. Tyquan Thornton
The 49ers reportedly already met with Tyquan Thornton and could be interested in his explosive abilities down the field. Thornton was the fastest wideout at the NFL combine and was nearly the fastest player to ever run at the event.
That is obviously what will attract him to SF. At times the 49ers want to outrun teams like a track unit. Thornton helps there. Beyond that, with Trey Lance in the mix, they need pure speed to unlock his arm, while they already have underneath wide outs that make David Bell a bit repetitive.
Velus Jones blocks and provides special teams value. Bell is a YAC monster, and Thornton will open the underneath open for the 49ers. All three could help the team in different ways, and depending on their wants, they could be attracted to any of them.
