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Earlier today, Nick posted about today's various Pro Days, which included the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. One notable Bulldog is wide receiver Quinton Patton. It looks like the 49ers might have at least a little interest in Patton:
Quinton Patton/WR/Louisiana Tech; 4.43s-to-4.48s 40, 37-in vert...Dinner w/Niners last night, met w/Broncos this morning..w/o with Carolina
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 26, 2013
Here is what Nick had to say about Patton earlier today:
"The General", a nickname he earned thanks to sharing a last name with General George S. Patton, has really seen his stock increase since the conclusion of the college football season. Patton used a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl and a strong combine performance to vault himself among the top five or six receivers in the draft. He's not a burner but is very quick off the line and an above-average route runner with very good ball skills. Patton could be looking at a late first round or early second round selection.
Taking a prospect out to dinner does not guarantee that the team is going to draft him. However, taking a prospect out to dinner would seem to provide more insight than simply showing up at a Pro Day. It is possible the 49ers might have questions about another Louisiana Tech prospect, but I would think we are moving from random speculation to educated speculation with this. Considering he impressed at the Senior Bowl, it is not entirely surprising the 49ers would at least show some interest.
At the same time, while the 49ers do have some room to get creative with their numerous early draft picks, it seems likely they will not invest heavily in the wide receiver position come April's draft. I suppose if they are completely blown away they could figure something out, but I would otherwise be pretty surprised to see an early round pick like Patton.