3 dream scenarios for the 49ers in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: WR Henry Ruggs III Falls to the 49ers
Of course, there’s always the possibility John Lynch and the Niners stay put at No. 31 overall. But this would have to be due to a player way high on San Francisco’s big board dipping through towards the end of Round 1.
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And there are probably only a handful of names who fit that criteria.
Former Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is one such player, potentially putting himself into top-10 consideration after one of the most impressive NFL Combine performances in recent memory. While Ruggs generally played a complementary role to fellow Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who’s expected to be selected earlier in Round 1, it’s pretty safe to state the former had the far better combine numbers.
Especially after running a blazing-fast 4.27 40-yard dash with an excellent 42-inch vertical leap.
This is where the dream scenario comes in. At 5-foot-11, Ruggs doesn’t have height on his side. But Kyle Shanahan hasn’t prioritized size in selecting wide receivers, instead focusing on speed and route-running abilities. Ruggs has both, and his skill set and combine performances drastically increased his draft stock.
But if he falls beyond many of the other receiver-needy teams in the NFL Draft, it’s hard to envision the Niners passing up on Ruggs if his name is still on the board at No. 31 overall.
Next. 3 under-radar prospects 49ers must watch in draft. dark
Again, the chances of it happening are slim, and San Francisco getting a player like Ruggs is little more than a pipe dream.
It’s still a dream, however.