5 early 49ers overreactions from first OTA practices

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American wide receiver Danny Gray of SMU (5) Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers OTA overreaction No. 2: Danny Gray will be the most impressive rookie

The Niners’ third-round rookie selection from the 2022 draft, former SMU wide receiver Danny Gray, turned plenty of heads during the team’s rookie minicamp, which followed the line of him being a potential gem of a find after he ran a blazing-fast 4.33 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Deebo Samuel skipping OTAs should at least open up the door for Gray to see more snaps, particularly with the second-team unit with at least one of the veterans pushed up with the starters.

But this shouldn’t translate into Gray automatically being a superstar in the making.

The 6-foot, 186-pound receiver showed some positive moments during OTAs, particularly with his ability to get a free release before using his speed to create chances for himself down the field.

However, flashing back to the fact cornerbacks aren’t allowed to engage in press coverage and bump receivers at the line of scrimmage, doing the same won’t be anywhere near as easy once training camp rolls around.

Perhaps Gray will be fine. We should pump the breaks on the excitement, though.