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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Players the San Francisco 49ers Must Target

By Peter Panacy

Aug 30, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) waits between plays during the game agains the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) waits between plays during the game agains the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) makes the diving catch during the second quarter versus the Maryland Terrapins at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) makes the diving catch during the second quarter versus the Maryland Terrapins at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver Braxton Miller, Ohio State

6’1″, 204 pounds

Collegiate Statistics

The 49ers will be looking for a long-term replacement for veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin at some point or another. And it may be a necessity with Boldin poised to hit the free-agent market this offseason.

San Francisco could be eyeballing Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell, who is the best receiver in the draft. But a nice fallback option would be targeting Ohio State wide receiver Braxton Miller.

Miller, who converted from quarterback to wideout in 2015 is still very raw in his route-running abilities. But he more than makes up for that with his sheer athleticism and ability. He has excellent explosiveness and the ability to change directions at any point without breaking his stride.

His 6’1″, 204-pound frame is equally as strong, and Miller would have all the potential to grow into a long-term legitimate threat for a 49ers offense needing playmakers.

Miller currently ranks as a late second- or early third-round pick, per CBS Sports. So, if that slate doesn’t change and he falls into Round 3, San Francisco grabbing him with their third pick of the draft would be one of the smarter things the team could do.

Time to make it happen, Mr. Baalke.

Next: OT Ronnie Stanley