3 reasons 49ers will be OK in 2020 without Emmanuel Sanders
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 2020 NFL Draft Is Deep at Wide Receiver
Remember that part about the Niners wanting to get both younger and cheaper at the position?
While the 49ers aren’t laden with NFL Draft picks this offseason, two things are certainly true: John Lynch could always trade out of the team’s second Round 1 pick, setting up additional day-two selections, or San Francisco can simply grab a top-end wide receiver with its first pick at No. 13 overall.
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And there are plenty of wide receiver prospects who should impress Kyle Shanahan and Co.
The 2020 draft class looks to be historically deep. While a number of top-end receivers may not make it into the Niners’ draft range, such as Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs III, a number of still-top-tier pass catchers will certainly be available when San Francisco’s number is called.
Sure, the 49ers could look to upgrade the secondary first before grabbing a wide receiver in the draft. But it’s silly to think Shanahan will avoid this position altogether. In previous years, postponing the team’s wide receiver needs could have been problematic.
Considering the depth in this year’s class, though, it’s likely the team could get first- or second-round talent in Rounds 3 or 4. Perhaps later.
Granted, no collegiate prospect coming out in the draft is a proven commodity at the NFL level, and the Niners would be taking a risk by going with a draftee over Sanders.
Next. 3 low-profile free agents 49ers must bring back in 2020. dark
Still, if the 49ers are willing to take that gamble, this is certainly the year to do it.