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Predicting Risers & Fallers at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine

By Jerod Brown

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Leonte Carroo (4) makes a one handed catch during the first half of their game against the Maryland Terrapins at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Leonte Carroo (4) makes a one handed catch during the first half of their game against the Maryland Terrapins at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Leonte Carroo-Wide Receiver-Rutgers University

The 49ers are going to pay close attention to players that fill positions of need. At the Scouting Combine, they will likely be highly interested in the wide receiver position.

Much has been made about the ability of Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. Behind him, there are Notre Dame’s Will Fuller, Ohio State’s Michael Thomas and Baylor’s Corey Coleman. The wide receiver group may not be quite as deep as recent years but there is talent available.

Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft Lead Analyst Matt Miller had Carroo ranked 67th on his Top-300 list in early January. That list is fluid and may be changed by now but Carroo was in good standing.

As we approach the draft, expect Carroo’s stock to rise. He’ll likely remain behind some of the top-flight receivers in the draft but that could be beneficial to the 49ers. With holes all over the roster, they’ll be able to spend the first couple of picks addressing major needs, such as the quarterback and linebacker positions.

If they are willing to wait, Carroo could be an interesting late-second round choice. They’ll have an up-close look at his skills at the Scouting Combine.

People are already excited about Carroo and, when he has an opportunity to compete alongside some of the best prospects, that excitement could build dramatically.

The 49ers may have already noticed Carroo and could continue to see the Rutgers product as a second-round choice at receiver if they select a quarterback early.

Carroo plays much bigger than his size and he may not be a burner but he bursts off the line, running efficient routes to create separation. Count on Carroo to continue rising up draft boards after competing at the Scouting Combine. The 49ers will want to gauge interest from other teams to ensure they don’t wait too long to draft the talented receiver.

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