49ers depth chart: Predicting each wide receiver’s role in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers wide receivers Danny Gray, Ray-Ray McCloud (the rookie and the veteran)
A prime reason why one should look at the Niners’ wide receiver corps as fully complete is due to the 2022 Round 3 NFL Draft addition of former SMU wide receiver Danny Gray.
While Gray’s hands are certainly questionable, and that’ll be a point to monitor between now and Week 1, no one is questioning his speed — a blazing-fast 4.33 40-yard time during his NFL Scouting Combine workouts.
This field-stretching ability is something San Francisco hasn’t quite had since 2018 when wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, a former track star, was on the roster.
However, don’t get too excited about Gray’s immediate impact. He missed part of OTAs and mandatory minicamp with a hamstring injury, which opened up the door for one of the 49ers’ other free-agent pickups this offseason, Ray-Ray McCloud, to serve as that deep threat in practices.
Trey Lance threw a perfect dime to Ray Ray McCloud III today at #49ers’ practice on a deep ball. The downfield passing attack has a chance to be dynamic. McCloud has been electrifying during these practices. His explosion at the catch point is impressive.
— Larry Krueger (@sportslarryk) June 8, 2022
The Niners originally signed McCloud for his return abilities on special teams, but the former Pittsburgh Steeler had a career-best 39 receptions for 277 yards last season, bolstering his potential to be part of San Francisco’s offense and not just a third-phase player.
Gray, being a third-round pick, is all but guaranteed a roster spot if healthy. But he might have to sit behind McCloud if the veteran earns the right for more offensive play.