49ers: San Francisco’s 2017 Offseason Big Board, version 2.0
By Eric Gamboa
Wide Receiver
The 49ers have significantly upgraded the WR position by signing three players during the first week of free agency. Key in those signings was WR Pierre Garcon. Garcon was Pro Football Focus highest rated WR to hit the open market with a grade of 85.8.
Another under appreciated element of Garcon’s game is that he rarely drops a pass as reported by CSN Mid-Atlantic. 49ers fans will greatly appreciate that since they have been treated to multiple-drop games over the last two seasons.
However, the team will still need to bring in additional talent. Garcon, as gifted as he is, is 30 years old. While true that his skill set is not determined by speed, his age will eventually play a factor.
Not to worry, there are good mid-round prospects to be had like Michigan’s Amara Darboh who had a solid 2016 season and tested well at 2016 NFL Scouting Combine.
At the combine, Darboh measured in at six-foot-one and 215 pounds which is eerily similar to that of Garcon’s. Darboh is known for having really good hands and for being a good route-runner. And, now that he notched a 4.45 40-yard dash, he is a quintessential mid-round WR developmental draft prospect.
In the 49er’s case, they may have found a pupil who can model his game around someone with almost identical styles.
- Draft Michigan, WR, Amara Darboh in the fourth round.
- Draft Tennessee, WR, Josh Malone in the fifth round.
- Sign undrafted free agent Ryan Switzer, WR, University of North Carolina.
Draft projections, statistical data and combine information provided, courtesy of Walter Football.