Yesterday we saw the running backs, offensive lineman and special teamers all take the field. Today, the wide receivers, quarterbacks and tight ends will show what they have to offer. With a vast amount of speculation on what the 49ers will do at all three of these positions, I come to you with a scouting report on both the highly-touted and the underrated prospects that will be showcasing their skills today, along with a list of other names you should be looking out for. We'll move on to receivers.
How to watch
2016 NFL Combine
Location: Indianapolis, IN | Lucas Oil Stadium
Time: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT
Channel: NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL Now
Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma - 5'10", 193 lbs. *WO38
Strength: In the NFL, offensive coaches desire receivers with smooth route-running skills and big-play potential, and that's exactly what the senior from Oklahoma possesses. Shepard could be a great compliment to a big-name receiver and essentially round out a receiving core. Throughout Shepard's final season in Norman, he showcased strong hands and superb ball skills to reel in rigid catches. He also displayed the capability to get open in one-on-one coverage and the ability to cut on a dime to create separation from a DB. With polished route-running and an expanded route tree, Shepard looks to be a starting slot receiver at the next level.
Weaknesses: If anything, the former-Sooner will need to improve on beating press coverage on the outside (struggled against Clemson's Mackensie Alexander). The only way Shepard's draft stock could plummet is if he shows sub-par athleticism, especially in the 3-cone drill being on the shorter side.
Draft Projection: 2nd
Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh - 6'2", 200 lbs. *WO04
Strengths: Pittsburgh's Tyler Boyd is one of the most underrated draft-eligible receivers in this draft. If his combine numbers are anywhere above average, his draft stock will escalate rapidly. Boyd trots out, strong hands, incomparable body control and flexibility. I believe his explosiveness and quick feet are some of the best in the business right now. Boyd also shows exceptional football IQ with the capability of reading a defense and finding soft spots. His adeptness at reeling in tough over-the-shoulder passes is what separates him from the other receivers in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Weaknesses: The biggest knock on Boyd is the sloppy route-running. He tends to round his routes instead of planting his feet at the top of his routes. Another downside on Tyler is his off-the-field antics. Last June, he was charged with a DIU which led to Pat Narduzzi suspending him from the team for a month. Furthermore, Boyd especially needs to work on run-blocking down the field. He also needs to add upper body strength to beat jams at the line of scrimmage at the next level.
Draft Projection: 3rd
Josh Doctson, WR, TCU - 6'3", 195 lbs. *WO13
Strengths: After completing his freshman season at Wyoming, Doctson transferred to TCU and ended up having one of the most prolific receiving careers in Texas Christian history. Despite having his junior campaign cut short due to a wrist injury, Doctson still managed to record 79 receptions for 1,327 yards. In 11 out of the 13 games he participated in, Doctson showcased some amazing traits that are worthy of a first round draft pick. When you take a look at the film, he stands out as a tall receiver with lengthy arms and the ability to win jump-balls (excellent red-zone threat) a good majority of the time. He shows the aggressiveness to attack the ball, great body control and soft hands to along with it.
Weaknesses: Doctson is not a burner; he will not stretch the field. The lack to create separation from opposing DB's might be the biggest worry in the NFL. He's not as physical as you would anticipate because of his size and tends to not contribute as a run-blocker.
Draft Projection: 2nd
Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor - 5'11", 190 lbs. *WO09
Strengths: One thing that stands out to you when you look at Coleman's film is his ability to blow past defenders on routes downfield and keep track of the ball. Coleman was one of the best receivers after the catch in all of College Football last year. His ability to take a five-yard catch and turn it into sixty is uncanny. Look, numbers speak volumes when you talk skill-positions. In Coleman's three-year career he has totaled 3,009 yards on 173 receptions along with 33 touchdowns (yes, you read that correctly). Coleman should put on a show today and maybe even carve his way into the first round.
Weaknesses: One area of concern for Coleman is his limited route tree. We know he can blow the top off of a defense but how can he contribute in the intermediate game? The drops are also a worry, especially when you play in the slot, where the ball has serious zip on it.
Draft Projection: 2nd
Other notable wide receivers
Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State *WO40
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss *WO41
Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame *WO15
Trevor Davis, WR, California *WO12