Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Grading 2015 Rookie Class after Season

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) celebrates with fans after their win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) celebrates with fans after their win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

WR DeAndre Smelter

2015 Statistics

Wide receiver DeAndre Smelter is another member of general manager Trent Baalke’s “All-ACL” team and didn’t end up getting on the field this season while recovering from a collegiate knee injury.

Selected in the fourth round last year, Smelter is another one of those long-term investments with some potential to turn into a useful player at the NFL level. But he also runs the risk of being a bust, similar to what was seen from former 49ers running back Marcus Lattimore and likely defensive end Tank Carradine and offensive guard Brandon Thomas.

On the positive side of things, the 6’2″, 226-pound Smelter does have amazing hands and route-running ability when healthy.

He just wasn’t healthy this season.

Keep an eye on Smelter during offseason camps and into the preseason. He still has the potential to be a jewel — one of many which the 49ers will need in 2016.

Grade: Pass

Next: Mike Davis