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For the first time in the 2013 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers did not trade a draft pick. After trading their first five picks in some form or fashion, the 49ers made their own pick, drafting Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton in the fourth round, with pick No. 128 overall. The 49ers hold one more fourth round pick, with the first of their compensatory picks.
The 49ers hosted Quinton Patton over dinner last month, obviously taking some interest in him fairly early on. Our man Nick Chiamardas had some thoughts on Patton leading up to his Pro Day:
"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.
Obviously many disagreed with that first/second round possibility, but the 49ers got some intriguing talent with Patton. He is a guy who ran a 4.48 40, and measures in at 6'0'' 204 pounds. Here is the "bottom line" from NFL.com, which compares him to Reggie Wayne:
A first-team All-WAC pick in 2011 and 2012, Patton accumulated 2,544 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career with the Bulldogs after transferring from Coffeyville Community College. He’s an acrobat along the sideline and a vertical stem threat much, but needs to improve attacking the ball when contested. In his two seasons starting, however, he has showing NFL teams paying close attention that he possesses the hands, route-running skills, and toughness to be a top-64 pick -– and, eventually, a very good starter.
MORE DRAFT COVERAGE
- Day 1 draft grades, Day 2 grades
- Day 1 winners/losers, Day 2 winners/losers
- Day 3 TV, pick info
- 49ers Pre-Draft Roster
- Prospect Scouting Reports
- Consensus Top-400 big board