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I like the idea of the 49ers drafting a pair of guys at the same position in the same draft. I liked when San Francisco brought in two offensive linemen in the same draft in guard Mike Iupati and tackle Anthony Davis; courtesy of Trent Baalke. I don't think the Niners will sign a big name wide out like a lot of us hope, but I believe they will do what's best for the franchise long-term. In that case, I believe bringing in a pair of big physical young receivers between the 2nd and 4th round could be a game changer.
With only 2 wide receivers on the roster for next year, this is a very pursuable direction for the front office. After the jump are 7 wide receivers that will be available this coming draft that fit what the 49ers would be looking for. You'll notice the height as a consistent factor amongst them all, with the exception of Ryan Broyles who is included because of his punt return ability and likeliness to be overlooked.
So if you're one of the people that isn't sure San Francisco will be able to get a worthy receiver at the end of the first round or pay for one in free agency, and wonder what other options are out there, I advise you to continue reading.
The point a lot of Faithful will raise is they like Michael Crabtree, Kyle Williams and Joshua Morgan and won't know how to feel about this concept. I would just like to remind you of Jim Harbaugh's feelings about maintaining a high level of competition at each position. In the NFL, it's survival of the fittest, so if you can't hang when your being pushed, then you're not the right guy.
Follow me after the jump for the breakdown.
(Stats according to WalterFootball.com)
1. Marvin McNutt, Iowa
Height: 6-3 Weight: 216
Projected 40 Time: 4.58
Arms: 31 5/8 Hands: 10 1/8
Projected Round (2012): 2-3
2. Tommy Streeter, Miami
Height: 6-5 Weight: 215
Projected 40 Time: 4.53
Projected Round (2012): 2-3
Height: 6-4 Weight: 206
Projected 40 Time: 4.52
Projected Round (2012): 2-3
4. Juron Criner, Arizona
Height: 6-2 Weight: 220
Projected 40 Time: 4.62
Arm: 31 3/8 Hand: 10 1/2
Projected Round (2012): 3-4
5. Brian Quick, Appalachian State
Height: 6-4 Weight: 222
Projected 40 Time: 4.52
Arm: 33 1/2 Hand: 9 7/8
Projected Round (2012): 3-5
6. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Height: 5-11 Weight: 185
Projected 40 Time: 4.46
Projected Round (2012): 3-4
7. Derek Moye, Penn State
Height: 6-5 Weight: 198
Projected 40 Time: 4.53
Projected Round (2012): 5-7
With that said I've done a good amount of research on these guys, have watched a lot of them play and narrowed down some personal favorites and preferable pairings. It's really about the top 5 guys listed for me (McNutt-Quick). The two guys I would most want would be the tandem of Marvin McNutt and Stephen Hill. They are big physical guys, with great hands, playmaking ability and a very high ceiling. Brian Quick at 6'4 could also combine with either McNutt or Hill.
San Francisco needs a guy that is open even when he's covered, you follow? The jump ball guys. The stretch the field guys. The over the middle guys. Basically, the Niners need dominant receiver help.
Tommy Streeter and Juron Criner are also guys with a lot of potential, but I'd be less confident depending on either one of them to be a difference maker in year one. And I am a Criner fan, but I think McNutt, Hill and Quick could have an A.J. Green-like impact on their teams because of their size, strength and overall physical ability. Not to mention, if the 49ers are looking for that next Calvin Johnson or Mike Wallace, these guys look pretty close to it (potential-wise) and they could be had outside the first round.
This would also allow the 49ers to take the best player available at #30. They could add a rush linebacker, perhaps Stanford's Coby Fleener, a cornerback or the best offensive lineman still on the board. The defense is pretty stout, and if we don't spend elsewhere in free agency and retain it, this draft could be primarily dedicated to offense. Adding Fleener, McNutt and/or Hill or some similar combination could have a staggering impact.
I really like the idea of receivers learning the ropes together, and I think Bill Belichick does as well, as he showed us when he drafted Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. I believe Harbaugh embodies a similar mindset when it comes to running his franchise and building through the draft.
What are your thoughts out there in Niner Nation?
Follow me on Twitter: @DeSimone80