Niner Noise
FanSided

5 players 49ers should avoid in 2020 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Raekwon Davis #DL24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Raekwon Davis #DL24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to the media on day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado Buffaloes
Laviska Shenault Jr of the Colorado Buffaloes (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers boast two picks in Round 1 of the NFL Draft, then five more on day three. Steering clear of these five prospects, however, would be wise for general manager John Lynch and Co.

With the 2020 NFL Draft approaching, there’s little shortage of San Francisco 49ers mocks and draft ideas to roll over and dissect between now and April 23.

But what could be equally as important for general manager John Lynch and his scouting staff is to identify which players the Niners shouldn’t target in this upcoming draft. Sometimes passing on a player is just as beneficial as selecting him.

Of course, there are always risks to this. In 2017, San Francisco passed on quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson to go with former Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas at No. 3 overall.

Still, there are plenty of players in the 2020 draft class the 49ers would be wise to pass up.

Niner Noise takes a look at five such players, breaking down the specific reasons why San Francisco should take a pass if those prospects are available when the Niners’ number is called.

Buffaloes . Laviska Shenault Jr.. 5. player. 857. . Wide Receiver

Earlier this year, it would have been smart to view Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. as an ideal fit for the 49ers, especially considering their own needs at the position.

Physically, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Shenault has all the traits indicative of a true No. 1 target. He’s tough, performed a variety of roles in college and has a massive competitive edge. But that was before a disappointing NFL Combine performance, where he ran a 4.58 40-yard time and elected to pass on the remaining workouts.

It’s suspected injury contributed to the poor time, which highlighted the injuries he suffered in college as well.

On top of that, despite the variety of roles he held with the Buffaloes, Shenault isn’t the savviest of route runners. Considering two of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s desired traits at the position are speed and route-running ability, Shenault hasn’t exactly checked off the boxes on either.

San Francisco’s Super Bowl window is now. And while Shenault could end up being a highly productive player in his NFL career, there’s a strong chance that won’t develop right away.

Especially if injury risks are going to be commonly associated with his on-field ability.