2016 NFL Draft: Complete 7-Round Mock for the San Francisco 49ers
By Peter Panacy
Round 3, Pick No. 68
WR Leonte Carroo, Rutgers
Aside from wide receiver Torrey Smith, the 49ers don’t really have any proven commodities at this critical playmaking position.
Veteran wideout Anquan Boldin remains a free agent, and backup receivers Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington are questionable assets as best. True, fellow wide receiver DeAndre Smelter has some promise. But how much should the team expect after he was redshirted his rookie season last year while recovering from a knee injury?
Rutgers wideout Leonte Carroo has some amazing hands. And his 6’0″, 211-pound frame epitomizes the body type head coach Chip Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke like in a skill-position player.
Carroo is also a “detailed route-runner who understands how to fool defensive backs in his routes, using timing to bait and get the hips of defenders turned in his breaks,” according to CBS Sports’ Rob Rang and Dane Brugler.
The 49ers have also expressed some interest, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Carroo does have some character concerns though, stemming from a domestic violence issue last September. San Francisco has tried to distance itself from players with such a past, so this will be an issue worth monitoring.
On the field though, Carroo is a tremendous talent worth adding.
Next: Round 4