Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: 5 prospects the 49ers should watch at the Senior Bowl

By Aaron Tan

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 10: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 10: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver James Washington #28 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys makes a reception against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Baylor 59-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver James Washington #28 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys makes a reception against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State defeated Baylor 59-16. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Wide Receiver James Washington

James Washington will be the only player on the list that is not a draft sleeper, per se. The 2017 Biletnikoff winner will most likely come off the board in the second round, and for good reason.

Washington is relatively short at 6-foot flat, but he makes up for it with his explosion on the field. He runs great routes, has amazing hands and possesses great speed. I would like to see him create more separation from his defenders, but he has all the tools to fix that with enough practice.

What I noticed about Washington is that he tracks the ball exceptionally well, which is extremely important while going on a deep route or attempting to make a contested catch. Once he enters the league, I have no doubt that he will be a force to be reckoned with and prove to be an immediate threat to opposing secondaries.

I’ve been known for saying that the 49ers need big receivers, but Washington’s well-roundedness makes me a huge believer in him. He would immediately find success in Kyle Shanahan’s offense with Jimmy Garoppolo throwing the ball to him. If Washington falls to the 49ers at the end of the second round, I would be just fine if John Lynch decides to take him.