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.
