Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers NFL Draft needs: 2018 wide receiver big board

By Florito Maniego

ANNAPOLIS, MD - NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs makes a catch against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs makes a catch against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – SEPTEMBER 3: Jake Wieneke #19 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits is brought down by the TCU defense after a long reception during the second half on September 3, 2016 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – SEPTEMBER 3: Jake Wieneke #19 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits is brought down by the TCU defense after a long reception during the second half on September 3, 2016 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

No. 9: Jake Wieneke (South Dakota State)

Despite coming from a lesser-known school, South Dakota State’s Jake Wieneke is an under-the-radar prospect who could surprise many people.

During his first three seasons for the Jackrabbits, Wieneke totaled 4,192 yards and 43 touchdowns. However, Wieneke’s stats in 2017 declined to 965 receiving yards for 65 catches and 16 touchdowns.

Wieneke’s college career was nothing short of remarkable, considering how many yards and touchdowns he accumulated.

According to his draft profile on NFL.com, Wieneke has great route-running abilities, which head coach Kyle Shanahan likes having in his offense. Wieneke also has a 6-foot-4 and 205-pound frame that would pose a mismatch against some of the NFL’s smaller cornerbacks.

In addition, Wieneke is an excellent red-zone threat and a reliable ball tracker. Plugging Wieneke in the lineup would help answer San Francisco’s problems in the red zone if he develops well into the pros.

Wieneke does lack speed and quickness, which may hurt his draft stock. If Wieneke falls in the later rounds, the 49ers might not hesitate to pick him up.