It is safe to say we have an early front-runner for most popular undrafted rookie free agent heading into the summer. After drafting DeAndre Smelter, the San Francisco 49ers signed five wide receivers in their class of UDFA. The group included Dres Anderson, Issac Blakeney, DiAndre Campebll, Darius Davis and DeAndrew White. The 49ers wrapped up minicamp Thursday morning and one guy in particular appears to be emerging.
DeAndrew White.
— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice) June 11, 2015
Also, @AlabamaFTBL WR DeAndrew White continues to be a stud. Caught back to back touchdowns in red zone period. #49ers
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 11, 2015
Rookie WR DeAndrew White (Undrafted, Alabama) capped strong minicamp with back-to-back grabs, last for for TD.
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 11, 2015
Back-to-back TD catches by #49ers rookie WR @Deuce_Dwhite in hurry up offense on opposite sides of the field. pic.twitter.com/0D728N8WUu
— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice) June 11, 2015
#49ers minicamp standout rookies: 3. Jaquiski Tartt (Closing speed) 2. Mike Davis (Hands out of the backfield) 1. DeAndrew White (Stud)
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) June 11, 2015
We certainly have to take OTAs with a grain of salt. After all, a lot of players have great speed in shorts, but then when the pads go on, they just lose a serious notch. It certainly doesn't make them slow, but it costs them the difference they have over other players. Scouting reports have talked about White not playing up to his 40 time, and some have said he lost some speed following his 2012 knee surgery.
He's showing great things through the offseason workout program. We'll see if it carries over into training camp. This is really something to take into consideration for all the young guys who are standing out in minicamp. Some will continue to excel, others will slow down once training camp gets here. It would certainly be something if the 49ers had a UDFA wide receiver be the guy who finally emerges.