Another offensive playmaker is not very high on the priority list of the 49ers in this year’s NFL draft, but there is a growing chance that the most prolific wide receiver in the country from last season could fall to them at No. 12 general choice. Rather than shying away from Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith to trade back or grab a player in a more pressing position of need, in the NFL’s most recent mock draft, the 49ers are picking up Wire Smith and perhaps giving themselves the best group of pass catchers in the NFL. .
At first glance, it doesn’t make sense as Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk appear to be the top two receivers, but both dealt with injuries last year and Kendrick Bourne’s exit from free duty left a vacancy in the receiver’s third place. Smith can do everything Bourne could in the attack of the 49ers and then some.
Here’s Doug Farrar, who wrote the mock-up:
If you want to find stats that describe his versatility and perfect fit in an offense, he finished first in the NCAA last season in deep receptions and yards, and first in screen receptions and fencing yards. Wherever he is on the field, Smith will find a way to smoke your defense.
Smith also filled the traditional box score. In 2019, he posted 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns on 68 catches. He followed that up with 117 receptions, 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns on his way to a Heisman Trophy victory last year.
He affects games in so many ways that it would be hard to beat San Francisco for holding the best player available. They would have to work hard to meet some other needs later in the draft, but Smith would undoubtedly give the 49ers one of the NFL’s most prolific groups of playmakers.