Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Torrey Smith says 49ers ‘built to win for a while,’ impressed with Deebo Samuel
Apr 11, 2020 at 8:19 AM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Former NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith didn't get to play for Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers. The team opted not to retain the veteran receiver during Shanahan's and general manager John Lynch's first offseason together.
Smith went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and then the Carolina Panthers before announcing his retirement last year. He does see good things in the future for his former squad, the 49ers.
It's a near certainty that the 49ers will try to bolster their receiver group during the upcoming draft, selecting a wideout for the 18th consecutive year. The team could even use the No. 13 overall pick to do so.
Smith
joined 95.7 The Game on Thursday and was asked about San Francisco's wide receivers, and what the team should do to try to replace veteran Emmanuel Sanders' contributions on the football field.
"I think they've got a lot of very capable receivers on their roster right now," Smith said on the
Joe, Lo and Dibs show. "For sure, I think if (Marquise) Goodwin is healthy, that helps. But they have to have that speed element to it. Emmanuel is one of the best route runners in the league, and I thought he did a great job meshing. I thought it was a great trade for the team, as well.
"But the way they're built, they're built to win for a while. Right now, it's a great window that's opening. Just add a couple of tools in."
One important tool that was added via the draft last year was receiver
Deebo Samuel. The versatile player proved he can do anything his coaches ask of him, whether that is catching the football, blocking, or even acting as a running back on the outside.
"I love what they're doing with Deebo Samuel," Smith continued. "He's able to get the ball so many different ways. And when the passing game is stalling, you can get the ball to him. He's like a running back with the ball. So to see his growth, he's going to be amazing, and continue to get better in year two.
"Just add some speed to open up those running lanes even more, and there's no reason why they shouldn't be back where they were last year."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Smith below.
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers offer Deebo Samuel assurances regarding roster status
Amidst swirling trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the speculation surrounding Deebo Samuel's future with the San Francisco 49ers seems to have quieted down.
According to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers have assured Samuel that he will not be involved in any pre- or post-draft transactions, ensuring his place on the roster for the time being.
"Samuel, who signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension before the 2022 season, has been assured by his bosses that he will not be dealt during or after the draft," Silver reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions.
Earlier in the
Mike Silver on how Deebo Samuel's contract might be the starting point for a Brandon Aiyuk extension
With the 2024 NFL Draft less than a week away, it's common for the rumor mill to start churning, especially with players who are actively seeking a new contract. It was just two short years ago that WR Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers prior to draft day, only for cooler heads to prevail and eventually agree to a new deal.
Now, it's WR Brandon Aiyuk's turn to try and get paid and rumors surfaced over the weekend that he too would request to be dealt. While that report was quickly shot down by his agent, there's still a lot of discussion about Aiyuk's future and if other teams will come calling on draft night.
Legendary columnist Mike Silver joined
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
