Niner Noise
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2020 NFL Draft: 5 players 49ers can acquire with No. 13 overall pick

By Josh Altorfer

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 21: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a 45-yard touchdown in the first quarter after catching a pass behind D.Q. Thomas #12 of the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 21: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a 45-yard touchdown in the first quarter after catching a pass behind D.Q. Thomas #12 of the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

NFL Comparison: Jarvis Landry, WR, CLE Browns

Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is the most complete route runner in this year’s draft. He competed and produced against the best defensive backs in college football.

Alabama has yielded some of the best NFL wide receivers throughout the past decade with top talents like Julio Jones, Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley. All three came into the league with crisp route-running ability and above-average athletism.

The 49ers should consider taking the next top pass catcher the Crimson Tide has developed if he ends up falling to No. 13.

A quick look at the tape reveals Jeudy consistently finds a way to get separation from defensive backs which is saying something considering he routinely lined up against elite SEC secondaries:

Jeudy can line up in the slot as well as outside and runs a complete route tree. He is tough enough to make catches in the middle of the field but also can execute on deeper routes.

The way he was used at Alabama is reminiscent of the way the Cleveland Browns use their talented pass catcher, Jarvis Landry. The Browns like to get the ball into Landry’s hands on short slant routes to pick up first downs and then take a deep shot to catch whoever is covering him off guard.

The addition of Jeudy’s skill set could put the young offensive core of the 49ers over the top for years to come.