The San Francisco 49ers finished up their sixth round work with Michigan State wide receiver Aaron Burbridge as their second compensatory pick. Burbridge was the Big Ten wide receiver of the year last year, finishing the season with 85 receptions and 1,258 yards
It is not entirely shocking to see the 49ers go with a wide receiver in the sixth round. They needed some help at the position, and Burbridge is an intriguing talent for the slot. Torrey Smith is far and away the most experienced receiver. After that, they've got Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington, Jerome Simpson, CFL product Eric Rogers, DeAndre Smelter, DeAndrew White, DiAndre Campbell, and Dres Anderson. There is talent there, but a lot of questions. More depth is necessary, and Burbridge brings it.
Over at NFL.com, they compare him to Jason Avant, and have this to say:
Outside receiver with good height and weight but lacking the deep speed to beat NFL cornerbacks down the field. Burbridge has enough short-area quickness to be an effective target against zone coverage, but could have problems against tight, press man. A move inside as a big slot receiver could be in his best interest. His Senior Bowl week and NFL Scouting Combine 40 time will be huge for his draft positioning.
Remaining picks
1. First round: DeForest Buckner, DT, Oregon
2. First round: Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
3. Third round: Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
4. Fourth round: Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
5. Fifth round: Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State
6. Fifth round: John Theus, OT, Georgia
7. Fifth round: Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss
8. Sixth round: Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech
9. Sixth round: Kelvin Taylor, RB, Florida
10. Sixth round: Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State
11. Seventh: Kansas City Chiefs (2016 draft-day trade) - No. 28 (249)