With the playoffs firmly in the rearview, and the Combine still several weeks away, we’re at the first of a handful of deadzones of the NFL offseason. Luckily, we’ve got mock drafts and player arrests to keep us entertained in the interim.
The news from the weekend is interest expressed in WR Marcell Ateman from Oklahoma State. To begin, this information comes from a website I’ve never heard of, who spoke with Ateman’s trainer during pre-combine workouts. The trainer mentioned that multiple teams have expressed an interest in the WR, one of which was the San Francisco 49ers.
Ateman is a large bodied (6’4”, 220#) WR who was able to produce at OK State when healthy. Dependent upon his combine performance, he’s expected to be a day three, or late day two, selection. The interest from the 49ers certainly makes sense, as our current best option as a red-zone target is likely 2017 rookie TE George Kittle.
If there’s any value to be gleaned from such an inconsequential story-of-the-day, it’s that the 49ers may have interest in a larger target at WR, to complement a generally smaller corps. Our largest receiver from last season was Louis Murphy, who stands 6’2”, 200# - not exactly what should be considered a red-zone target sized player.
However, it stands to reason that the team may be looking at other, bigger, WRs through the upcoming free agency period, as well as the draft. Intriguing names like Jordan Matthews, Allen Robinson, and even Brandon Coleman populate the free agent lists. The upper rounds of the draft should feature several red-zone target receivers, including SMU’s Courtland Sutton and FSU’s Auden Tate. Perhaps we’ll soon see a new trend emerge in mock drafts. Or something.
On to the good stuff-
49ers interested in OK State WR Marcell Ateman | Bonilla, 49ers Webzone