Golden Nuggets: Less Than A Month ‘Til The Combine

Good morning folks, and a happy Thursday to you. It feels like we’ve been wading through the offseason for much longer than we have, doesn’t it? Although I’m aware that the season won’t reach a conclusion for a few more days, it really just dawned on me that the season won’t reach a conclusion for a few more days. Maybe I lost track of time, but I was sure we were a bit further in than we actually are.

With that being said, we’re a little under 4 weeks away from the NFL Combine, at which point a number of questions will be answered, and several heaping handfuls more questions will emerge. Obviously, the average 49ers fan is probably worried about how some of the top defenders do - does Quinnen Williams perform well enough to warrant a #1 overall selection by the Cardinals? Does Josh Allen do enough to make Nick Bosa an afterthought?

In case you haven’t been paying attention, this year’s crop of WR prospects is immensely intriguing. Outside of a catastrophic meltdown by any of the top defenders, it’s likely that the combine won’t noticeably shake things up - but the group of incoming WRs will likely see quite a bit of movement. Size and production are hardly a question with most of WRs expected to go in the first two days, but with exception to Ole Miss’ AJ Brown, mostly all of them have a question regarding their speed or agility. Should a guy like DK Metcalf (Ole Miss) put together an impressive 40 yard dash time, or N’Keal Harry (Arizona State) perform well in the cone drills, major movement up the boards would be a likely result.

This presents a fantastic opportunity for the 49ers during the second round of the draft. Depending on who you ask, anywhere from 0 to 4 or 5 WRs could slip into the first round, and February’s combine might be the linchpin. Should multiple WRs be called on the first day, the opportunity to take a displaced first-rounder on day 2 may present itself. Or, should teams pass on top-end WR talent in the first round banking on a deep class, the 49ers may be the beneficiary of enviable positioning. Either way, keeping an eye on the WR crop over the coming months should be on everyone’s radar.

Wes Welker interviewed for 49ers coaching staff position | Chan, NBC Sports Bay Area

Previewing how the 49ers might handle the WR position this offseason | Almquist, KNBR

George Kittle to meet with Tony Gonzalez | Johnson, NBC Sports Bay Area

Trent Brown on being traded | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area