Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting best- and worst-case roles for 49ers’ 2019 NFL Draft picks

By Robert Morrison

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa is greeted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked 2nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Wide receiver Jalen Hurd #5 of the Baylor Bears tries to get past defensive back Jah’Shawn Johnson #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the game on November 24, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Wide receiver Jalen Hurd #5 of the Baylor Bears tries to get past defensive back Jah’Shawn Johnson #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the game on November 24, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

WR Jalen Hurd

Best case: Hurd is a situational receiver who uses his quickness and size to present matchup problems for the prototypical slot cornerbacks across the line of scrimmage.

The former Baylor Bear also proves to be a better red-zone target than expected, and catches a large number of touchdown grabs, especially in comparison to his overall number of receptions.

Again, because of the massive amount of players vying for the ball, Hurd might not blow anyone away with his overall stats, but Hurd finds his niche and excels at it.

Worst case: The former running back is overwhelmed by the transition to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which asks a lot more of him than Baylor’s scheme ever did.

Because of the struggles, Hurd finds himself on the 53-man roster, but is often left off the game-day squad in favor of other receivers or running backs who offer more than the rookie is prepared to at this point in his development.

The words “overdraft” and “bust” start to swirl around Hurd, who hopefully will at least take advantage of the time in practices to improve and get ready for year two.

Prediction: Mostly likely for Hurd is he’s in and out of the lineup based on matchups. While he might make some impact plays throughout the season, it’s likely that he doesn’t have a massive effect on the 49ers offense, at least not in 2019.