2020 NFL Draft: 3 prospects who could shake up 49ers Round 1 efforts

The 49ers will probably want to take advantage of what’s being considered the deepest and most talented wide receiver draft class in recent memory.

A number of names, such as Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III, likely pushed themselves out of San Francisco’s draft range, and the limited amount of picks John Lynch has at his disposal all but eliminates the idea San Francisco will trade up.

One player who might have been selected before the Niners’ first pick is Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.

Prior to Shenault’s 2020 NFL Scouting Combine performance on Thursday, it would have been reasonable to assume the 6-foot-1, 227-pound prospect would have been selected no later than the early 20s, pushing beyond the Niners’ range.

But Shenault ultimately finished with a relatively sluggish 4.58 40-yard time at the combine, and he elected not to participate in most of the other drills outside of putting up 17 reps on the 225-pound bench press.

It’s unclear, as of current, whether or not Shenault suffered an injury during workouts. Even if he did, one would guess his draft stock took a slight hit.

Does this mean Shenault is no longer a Round 1 talent? Of course not. He’s one of the more dynamic wide receivers in this year’s class. The relative underperformance merely means he now could fall into San Francisco’s lap at No. 31 now.

And if that’s the case, one could argue the 49ers would be willing to stay put and grab him if available.