2016 NFL Draft: Good Picks vs. Bad Picks for the San Francisco 49ers
By Peter Panacy
Bad Fit: Wide Receiver Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Again, just because a player is a bad fit doesn’t mean he’s a bad prospect. Heck, to be considered a first-round target, the player has to be pretty good, right?
Such is the case with Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell.
He’s the highest-ranked wideout available in the draft, per CBS Sports. And his 6’2″, 221-pound frame does enough to suggest he’ll be the perfect long-term replacement for wide receiver Anquan Boldin, should the 49ers elect to go that route in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.
Yet Treadwell’s stock has steadily fallen since early 2016. His decision not to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine hurt, and Treadwell’s pro day wasn’t exactly stellar either.
Niners Nation’s James Brady had more to say:
"Treadwell is considered the top receiver by some, but there are concerns about his speed. He top-line speed has been questioned plenty and with all eyes on his 40-yard dash at his Pro Day on Monday, Treadwell underwhelmed. He’s an impressive athlete and a specimen in general, but his 40 time was a paltry 4.63 seconds."
The 49ers met with Treadwell at his pro day, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. And it’s clear they have interest in his services given their need at the position.
Aside from established wideout Torrey Smith, the Niners really don’t have a bona fide option to occupy a starting receiver slot in a standard formation.
Yet Treadwell is falling out of the first-half Round 1 rankings for a reason. And he’s dipping into territory where a trade-down from San Francisco would likely cost the team a shot at a high-profile player even if more draft picks were netted in return.
Even more importantly, the 49ers could get similar value in later rounds — TCU’s Josh Doctson or Rutgers Leonte Carroo may be better options.
Next: Good Fit: WR Josh Doctson