49ers roster: 5 players whose stock is falling ahead of training camp
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers wide receiver Danny Gray
San Francisco spent a Round 3 pick in 2022 on former SMU wide receiver Danny Gray, but that was at a point when the team was looking at quarterback Trey Lance and his strong arm being a key X-factor.
After all, Gray's No. 1 strength was his straightline speed.
Once Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 last year, Gray's importance to the 49ers evaporated, and he finished the season as a non-factor, finishing his rookie season with one catch on seven targets for a mere 10 yards.
Considering the 49ers' quarterbacking situation, it doesn't appear as if Gray's top strength will be a vital need for the offense, particularly if quarterback Brock Purdy, not Lance, winds up being atop the depth chart this season.
Unless Gray wholly separates from the rest of the back end of the receiving depth chart, his roster spot could be in trouble.