2016 NFL Draft: Assessing San Francisco 49ers’ Best Round 1 Options
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
San Francisco needs to find a long-term replacement for veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who is set to hit free agency this offseason.
Even if Boldin re-signs, the need to invigorate the offense and add playmakers to boost the Niners’ last-place offensive standing last year will be of utmost importance to general manager Trent Baalke this offseason.
Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell could be that guy San Francisco is seeking. The 6’2″, 210-pound wideout had a career-best 1,153 receiving yards last season along with 11 touchdowns. He also has the ability to line up outside or within the slot, giving head coach Chip Kelly some flexibility here.
Treadwell has great hands too — perhaps the greatest attribute a receiver can have.
STRENGTHS: Well-built for the position with a muscular upper body and sleek definition. Long arms and large hands to create a very large catching radius. Natural plucker with vacuum hands away from his body, snatching anything in his general direction. Outstanding on 50/50 balls, showing above average body control and hand-eye coordination.
Lacks sprinter speed, but faster than expected due to strong, decisive strides, never playing hesitant. Shows the ability to push routes, sink and quickly locate the football. Plays with grown man strength to brush off tackle attempts and get every yard possible — rarely phased by initial tackler in college due to his balance and power.
Very strong-minded competitor and doesn’t shrink under bright lights. Innately motivated and wired right for professional football. Carries himself like a leader with a goal-oriented mind-set – genuinely enjoys the comradery with his teammates. Very grounded, mature personality for his age and handled adversity well after his 2014 season-ending injury.
WEAKNESSES: Route-running still a work-in-progress and wasn’t asked to run a full tree in the Ole Miss offense. Needs to rely more on his footwork at the top of routes to create separation. Speed is average for the position, lacking a second gear vertically to easily gain a step.
Will have the occasional focus drop, running before securing the catch. Physicality is his calling card, but will also lead to offensive interference penalties with the way he uses his hands at times. Aggressive blocker, but will get overeager and fall off his man.
Why He Fits:
San Francisco endured one of the worst passing offenses in the league last season. And a playmaker like Treadwell would give Kelly a big-bodied target with which he could use in what promises to be a much more potent offense.
The pick would also afford the Niners the luxury of letting Boldin go should the team want to get younger and cheaper at the position.
Why He Doesn’t:
Even if Boldin goes, San Francisco has some younger receiving possibilities with which the team may want to involve more in 2016. Wide receiver Torrey Smith should be utilized more along with 2013 draftee Quinton Patton.
And second-year pro DeAndre Smelter, who was redshirted all of last year, could emerge to be the same type of player in Treadwell’s mold.
Next: QB Jared Goff