49ers Draft: Wide Receiver — Prospecting for Red-Zone Gold

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) stiff arms Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) stiff arms Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Day Three

Rounds 4 through 7 on day three of the draft are typically more about obtaining depth and developmental players. The 49ers have a total of seven selections on day three, assuming they are not used for trade currency on first two days.

Even with all the additions in free agency and lack of visits from wide receiver prospects, I still expect San Francisco to pick up at least one WR in one of these rounds.

At the top of the day, I take notice of Air Force WR Jalen Robinette. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Robinette has not been a statistical monster but shows an ability to use his body like a big tight end in the middle of the field.

He plays big and aggressive with a large catch radius. He is a little slow, with 4.62 40 time, but could prove to be a decent red-zone asset considering the 49ers general lack of size in the receiving corps.

He has the size, fight and vertical to come down with jump balls and shows good hands when contested in his routes.

Robinette has been projected anywhere between Rounds 4-6 and warrants an eye on him.

Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Chad Williams of Grambling State (84) catches a pass against cornerback Ezra Robinson of Tennessee St. (31) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Chad Williams of Grambling State (84) catches a pass against cornerback Ezra Robinson of Tennessee St. (31) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

At the end of the day, I would like to switch gears just a tad and talk about a serious sleeper prospect in Grambling State WR Chad Williams.

Not projected to come off the board until the sixth or seventh round, Williams could surprise folks with an earlier selection as word spreads about him.

Williams was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, probably due to his low visibility playing at Grambling State, but was asked to the Senior Bowl and impressed some people.

There is not a ton of available footage of Williams while playing at Grambling State. But what there is can change your mind about his projections.

What I see when watching his tape is a receiver that should have played for a more notable school against better competition. He looks like he plays angry, showing a lot of physicality and aggression from whistle to whistle. Williams is a monster after the catch and has an obvious raw, untapped talent.

He showed coachability at the Senior Bowl and seems hungry for a chance.

Ironically, his off the field demeanor seems to be completely different than his fierce persona on the field. After watching some of his interviews, he came across as a very humble yet confident young man. My impressions are that he absolutely loves football, buys into the program and appreciates every opportunity.

While Williams could prove to be a serviceable red-zone threat, I think his raw ability could make him a future No.1 receiver with development and time.

Through all three days, there are options for San Francisco to get better in the passing game with the addition of some receiver talent. Given what’s available and what is already in stock on the roster I can see the 49ers going in one of these prospect’s direction.

Next: 49ers Draft: Myles Garrett Hype Train

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