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49ers roster target: CFL wide receiver Jevon Cottoy

By Nathan Bannerman

TORONTO, ON - JULY 06: Jevon Cottoy #86 of the BC Lions takes a drink during a game against the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field on July 6, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. BC defeated Toronto 18-17. (Photo by John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JULY 06: Jevon Cottoy #86 of the BC Lions takes a drink during a game against the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field on July 6, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. BC defeated Toronto 18-17. (Photo by John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images) /
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 The San Francisco 49ers are expected to work out former CFL and star junior wide receiver Jevon Cottoy.

When comparing wide receivers amongst the NFC West, the San Francisco 49ers are lacking a big physical threat and could use some reassurance on the tight end depth chart.

Canadian Jevon Cottoy could solve both problems.

Cottoy played with the B.C. Lions in the CFL during the 2019 season. In his rookie year, he amassed 38 catches for 386 yards and a touchdown.

From 3DownNation, he decided to opt out of his contract with the Lions in 2020 to pursue an NFL contract. So he only has one year of pro football under his belt.

The Calgary, Alberta, native suffered an ACL and MCL tear in 2016. Despite the setback happening five years ago, there will certainly be hesitancy from the 49ers as they’ve already lost two players to season-ending injuries already.

But if they can look past the injury history, they’ll be looking at a 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame, which is practically identical to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf (6-foot-4, 229 pounds) and a bit bigger than Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6-foot-1, 212 pounds).

Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the same speed as Metcalf or Hopkins but his build could fit in well behind tight end George Kittle.

Here’s a look at his CFL highlights:

One of the key skills football coaches drill into young wide receivers is to “catch with your hands.” Though he doesn’t have the softest hands, all his receptions are away from his body which typically helps eliminate turnovers.

Cottoy’s big body certainly makes it harder for defensive backs to bring him down. It also helps he loves to make the first contact. The CFL is a pass-heavy league where receivers need to be prepped to either hit or get hit.

The 49ers do have tight end Ross Dwelley who has the same build as Cottoy. But San Francisco would like to have some more depth with the number of injuries they seem to deal with.

According to NinersWire’s Marc Delucchi, Cottoy has worked out with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders.

If the 49ers and Cottoy agree to a deal, he’ll be the second Canadian on the roster with offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley.

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