5 bold predictions for the 49ers in 2020 NFL free agency
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Kyle Shanahan Brings Aboard Taylor Gabriel
While the 2020 NFL Draft is deep with wide receivers, it’s always crucial to remind everyone none of those players has played a snap at the pro level. And anyone who’s watched a brief amount of pro football understands how even the most highly touted prospect can flame out quickly after reaching NFL ranks.
Even if the 49ers grab a wide receiver in the draft, it’s not out of the question to see them target another on the free-agent market.
Enter 29-year-old veteran wideout Taylor Gabriel, who was released by the Chicago Bears earlier this year.
Shanahan, who coordinated the Atlanta Falcons offense in 2015 and 2016, had Gabriel under his services the latter year. And Gabriel flourished, as Al Sacco also pointed out:
In two years with Kyle Shanahan as his OC, Taylor Gabriel averaged 16.9 yards per reception (71 catches for 1200 yds)
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) February 22, 2020
In the four seasons without Shanahan, his yards per catch drops to 10.6 (157 catches for 1,660)
8 of his 15 career TDS have also come under Shanahan #49ers
So it’s no surprise Shanahan wanted Gabriel to come to San Francisco in 2017, yet the 5-foot-7 slot receiver eventually signed with Chicago instead.
Gabriel would surely cost less than Emmanuel Sanders on the open market. And even though some may question why the 49ers would bring aboard yet another slot receiver when they already have Trent Taylor and Richie James in the mix, it’s important to point out Taylor has been banged up the better part of the last two years, missing all of 2019 with a foot injury, and James has been scantly used on offense during that same timeframe.
Besides, Shanahan has never shied away from trying to find improvements, and Gabriel could provide just that.