49ers training camp: Rookie stock watch after one week of practice
By Peter Panacy
49ers training camp rookie stock watch: WR Danny Gray
Like Tyrion Davis-Price, it wasn’t hard to see why San Francisco invested a third-round pick in former SMU wide receiver Danny Gray, whose 4.33 40-yard speed was intended to give Kyle Shanahan a true deep threat.
Gray was impressive during rookie minicamp, and despite suffering a minor hamstring injury during organized team activities, all thoughts were on him being just as explosive during training camp, too, even if it was with only second- and third-string units.
However, so far during camp, Gray hasn’t been able to stretch the field in the kind of way one initially anticipated. The lack of separation and a relatively simple route tree stemming from his days in college appear to be hindering the rookie in more ways than one, and he hasn’t found himself frequently targeted because of this.
Related Story: Rookie Danny Gray still has a lot to prove during 49ers training camp
It’s not likely these early setbacks will endanger Gray’s roster chances, but they could cut into his projected role this season, possibly opening up another option like wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud to use his own speed to get behind defenses.
Fans may need to be patient with Gray while he develops, as he’s off to a relatively slow start at camp.