SF 49ers: 10 wide receivers to target in 2021 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver. Knights . Marlon Williams. 3. player. 886.
SF 49ers Target No. 3: Marlon Williams, UCF
Like Amon-Ra St. Brown, UCF wide receiver Marlon Williams has also seen his stock value rise considerably, working his way up from a probable Round 6 target to being someone potentially worth targeting as early as Round 3.
Williams’ efforts on the field for the Knights paralleled that trajectory, too, as he was limited in production his first two years at the college level before posting 717 and 1,039 receiving yards in 2019 and 2020, respectively, with 16 combined touchdowns during that span.
The 6-foot-0, 215-pound prospect has speed on his side and also displays reliable hands and footwork. As far as a fit within the Niners offense, Williams is someone who could be a decent downfield threat capable of getting open against zone coverages while even beating a good number of defensive backs.
Related Story. Marlon Williams is a perfect day-three 49ers draft target. light
As far as yards after the catch go, Williams has that trait.
Williams’ route tree at UCF was limited, however, and route-running abilities are a key staple for Kyle Shanahan. So even if San Francisco was to target a player like Williams, likely early on day three, it would probably take a little time for him to hone his attributes in this department.
That said, the physical attributes are all there for a quality depth wide receiver with the potential upside of being a No. 3 option on the depth chart.