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2020 NFL Combine: 5 wide receivers who should impress 49ers

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Wide receiver Chase Claypool of Notre Dame runs a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Wide receiver Chase Claypool of Notre Dame runs a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Henry Ruggs III, Alabama Crimson Tide
Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Crimson Tide . Henry Ruggs III. 3. player. 829. . Wide Receiver

Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy could easily be the No. 1 wide receiver taken in the NFL Draft, and the 49ers won’t have much of a chance to grab him at all.

But that doesn’t mean they should overlook Jeudy’s collegiate teammate, Henry Ruggs III.

Ruggs was a perfect complement to Jeudy for the Crimson Tide last season. And while he didn’t get the stats or accolades of his receiving partner, there’s plenty of reason to believe Ruggs also winds up being a Round 1 pick.

His NFL Combine performance might have pushed Ruggs far enough out of range for the 49ers to sit and wait until the No. 31 overall pick, which is why the receiver lands at No. 3 on this list.

But that’s what happens when you run an unofficial 4.28 40-yard time. Not quite the record, but still:

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1233212454970253312

Ruggs’ vertical jump of 42 inches was impressive enough, too, considering his 5-foot-11 frame. And remember, while size can be important, Kyle Shanahan’s receiving corps isn’t built solely around big-bodied targets. It’s separation, route running and speed for San Francisco’s head coach.

The No. 2 Alabama wideout possesses all those traits, and he could end up being one of the most explosive pass catchers at the NFL level if paired with the correct offensive system.

A system like the 49ers have would be ideal. If Ruggs falls, though.