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2016 NFL Draft: Round 1 Big Board for the San Francisco 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California quarterback Jared Goff speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California quarterback Jared Goff speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell catches a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell catches a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss

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This year’s draft is loaded with defensive talent and relatively thin at the skill positions on offense. So if the 49ers elect to push back their defensive needs and target the offense in Round 1, selecting Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Granted, Treadwell hurt his stock by not participating in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Yet, as Rob Rang of CBS Sports pointed out, this shouldn’t be too much of a concern:

"It was disappointing that Treadwell elected not to run at the combine (instead waiting for his March 28 Pro Day). But his 40-yard dash time isn’t a huge concern. His NFL-ready frame, body control and raw power make him a frightening draw as a receiver and downfield blocker, even if he didn’t show great straight-line speed on tape. Just over a year removed from a horrific leg injury that some thought might threaten his career, Treadwell was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver, and unlike eventual winner Corey Coleman (29th on this list), Treadwell got better as the season progressed."

Addressing wide receiver needs will be an offseason priority for the 49ers. With veteran wideout, and free-agent to be, Anquan Boldin recently hinting he wants to play for a contender, the 49ers will need to find some sort of likable replacement.

The 6’2″, 210-pound Treadwell has the size and physical makeup general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Chip Kelly like. And his skill set is also a reflection of his size.

Treadwell would be a complementary piece to returning wideout Torrey Smith and one around which the 49ers could build a strong aerial attack.

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The 49ers will have some tough decisions to make when their number is called in Round 1. And it’s going to be a choice inherently affected by what Baalke elects to do in free agency.

Should the 49ers sign a free-agent wide receiver — let’s say Marvin Jones — targeting a player like Treadwell seems extremely unlikely.

Still, San Francisco will need to make a splash with such high a pick. The 49ers haven’t drafted within the top-10 picks since 2011 (the year they landed linebacker Aldon Smith) and will need to ensure the next first-round draftee is able to provide a sizable impact to help turn this franchise around in coming years.

Next: Why DeForest Buckner Should Be 49ers Top Draft Target

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Supplementary draft information courtesy of CBS Sports.