San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan added another versatile weapon to his offensive arsenal when the team drafted wide receiver Jalen Hurd out of Baylor in the third round. Hurd played running back at Tennessee before transferring to Baylor to play receiver.
Shanahan even noted that Hurd could be utilized as a tight end with a little added weight. That does not necessarily mean the 49ers plan to move him there, but it showed how versatile Hurd could be.
"I think last year he was 230 as a receiver," Shanahan told reporters last Friday. "You know, our tight ends are like that, too. We plan on him coming in and being a receiver and working with that group, putting him with [wide receivers coach Wes Welker] and [offensive quality control coach Miles Austin], but I don't think that's where it stops. We'll see how his body ends up being here over the years, and while he does it, I also hope we can give him a few carries here and there."
The 49ers will hold a three-day rookie minicamp this weekend and players reported to the team on Thursday. That includes Hurd, who spoke with reporters and said he has made it clear he would prefer to play wide receiver in the NFL but is open to other opportunities.
"I'm a mismatch guy, so wherever they best see me fit and I can make a play," Hurd said.
Hurd spoke highly of Shanahan and feels he was placed in a good situation when the 49ers selected him.
"He's got a great offensive mind," Hurd said. "I just cannot be more happy to be drafted by [the 49ers] and to get a chance to play and experience it. I'm looking forward to it ... I've seen how he kind of utilizes people. I definitely saw, in the draft process, where I probably fit better but you really don't have any control where you go. You're just kind of hopeful that you end up somewhere like this. Really, it's the best-case scenario for me."
Hurd has no shortage of confidence as he transitions to the pro level. He has seen how innovative Shanahan is and how players like tight end George Kittle have found great success within his system.
"There's really no limit for me on the offensive side of the ball," Hurd added.
Video courtesy of Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.