49ers roster: 4 better options than acquiring Cowboys WR Amari Cooper

49ers option No. 4: Use NFL Draft assets

Again, the Niners could be looking to add to their wide receiver room this offseason, and it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

And while the 2022 NFL Draft class isn’t quite as deep at the position as it was in 2020 or 2021, there’s still plenty of workable talent through Rounds 1 and 7, and it wouldn’t be shocking whatsoever to see San Francisco add a wideout as early as Round 3.

One early draft favorite is North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson, Trey Lance’s former teammate, who shot up big boards after an impressive Senior Bowl. However, following Watson’s equally impressive NFL Scouting Combine workouts, it’s likely the 49ers will have no chance of him slipping to their first pick, No. 61 overall in Round 2, meaning they’ll have to consider other options.

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There are many to choose from, but one potential gadget-like player is Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who’ll likely remain a day-three target despite his own impressive NFL Combine efforts and largely because, at 5-foot-7, his lack of size will turn off teams.

Still, Austin is awfully speedy and electric with the ball in his hands, and he offers special teams return abilities, too, which the Niners need.

Someone like Austin would be a much smarter investment than overspending or overbidding on Amari Cooper.