Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers’ 2019 depth chart at wide receiver

By Matt Stephenson

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 23: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers walks on the field after injuring his knee during their NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 23: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers walks on the field after injuring his knee during their NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 01: Jalen Hurd #5 of the Baylor Bears makes a touchdown pass reception against Brandon Richmond #2 of the Abilene Christian Wildcats at McLane Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
WACO, TX – SEPTEMBER 01: Jalen Hurd #5 of the Baylor Bears makes a touchdown pass reception against Brandon Richmond #2 of the Abilene Christian Wildcats at McLane Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Jalen Hurd

I’m excited to see how Hurd competes in his rookie season. After converting from running back, Hurd has only one full season of playing wide receiver under his belt. But it was one hell of a season. Hurd had 69 receptions for 946 yards, averaging 13.7 yards per reception and four touchdowns.

Coming in at 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds, Hurd is the big-bodied receiver the 49ers have needed for some time. His size and physicality make him a great addition to the wide receiver corps, which should see him placed in a good position to compete in the red zone.

Given his versatility, Shanahan has the option to play Hurd at just about any receiving position across the field. Shanahan has also mentioned it wouldn’t be out of the question, given Hurd’s size, to try him at tight end somewhere down the track.

Hurd could easily see his stock rise over the coming season and find himself projected further up the depth chart. How well he makes the transition to the NFL after just one season at receiver will likely dictate this outcome.

While he will still require some polishing and refinement, Hurd may turn out to be the surprise pick of the draft.