49ers roster: 3 rookies who are flashing early at 2022 OTAs
By Peter Panacy
49ers rookie standout No. 3: Wide receiver Danny Gray
While the 49ers’ wide receiver buzz this offseason has centered almost entirely around the drama with All-Pro Deebo Samuel, third-round rookie Danny Gray already started turning heads for the right reasons during rookie minicamp.
Catching four of five passes during that particular minicamp, it’s apparent the speedster is already impressing his fellow receivers during OTAs, too.
And the former SMU standout already has a new ally in wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk:
Brandon Aiyuk on Danny Gray: “He can fly. He came in ready to work. I like him.” #49ers
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) May 24, 2022
With Samuel holding out and not attending OTAs, the opportunity for Gray to get increased reps higher on the depth chart should be boosted. And while he wasn’t taking first-team snaps over the first week, he was regularly featured on the second-string unit.
Considering his 4.33 40-yard time from the NFL Combine is something head coach Kyle Shanahan will want to integrate with the offense, there’s a great chance Gray will make his presence felt even more over the final week of these practice sessions before mandatory minicamp in a few weeks.