The wide receiver and tight end groups finished their NFL Combine workouts on Thursday, and there were certainly some prospects to watch, as the wide receiver class was one of the fastest of all-time at the event.
Following Thursday's performances, who are five wide receivers/tight ends that the 49ers could target in the 2022 NFL Draft?
1. Purdue WR David Bell
David Bell may have been a faller following his 4.65 40-yard dash, which could potentially benefit the 49ers.
Since receiver isn't necessarily at the top of San Francisco's needs heading into the draft, the 49ers may not target the position with their first selection at #61. However, the 49ers have the luxury of choosing the best player available on their draft board, rather than players that only fit their biggest needs, because they're looking for adequate depth at multiple positions, which is why Bell could be an intriguing player for the 49ers in the middle rounds of the draft.
While Bell isn't a blazing-fast wide receiver, the Purdue product has some of the best hands in the class, which was an issue that the 49ers dealt with at times last season. In addition, Bell is a good route-runner, which seamlessly fits in Kyle Shanahan's scheme.
2. Memphis WR Calvin Austin III
Austin tested very well at the combine, running a 4.32 40-yard dash (3rd of all receivers), with a 39" vertical (4th of all receivers), and an 11'03" broad jump (3rd of all receivers), despite measuring 5'8" and 170 pounds.
Austin has frame concerns, but would be a good fit in Shanahan's offense, who has a propensity for getting receivers open and in space, where Austin excels with his top-end speed.
Utilizing Austin as a gadget weapon would take some of the load off Deebo Samuel's shoulders and would only further stretch the field for the 49ers next season.
3. Maryland TE Chig Okonkwo
Okonkwo rose on the scene at the Senior Bowl, where he showcased his blocking ability prior to running a fast 4.52 40-yard dash at the combine at 6'2, 238.
However, Okonwko is fairly raw in both facets of his game, especially his route-running skills. So, why should the 49ers be interested?
Currently, San Francisco has the ultimate versatile weapon in FB Kyle Juszczyk, whose athletic profile allows the 49ers to utilize him as a blocker and a receiver.
Okonkwo could be that project-type player who could eventually flourish in a role similar to Juszczyk, while learning under him for the time being.
4. SMU WR Danny Gray
The 49ers have a strong receiver group currently, headlined by All-Pro Deebo Samuel, seen as a do-it-all player, alongside second-year player Brandon Aiyuk, who continues to flourish as a route runner, and Jauan Jennings, who came on the scene as a reliable big-bodied third-down weapon.
However, this group of players lacks a true "burner", or deep threat receiver, which is why Danny Gray could be an intriguing option in the later rounds for the 49ers.
Gray ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the combine, but actually plays at that speed on tape. Gray isn't a smaller-sized receiver like Calvin Austin III either, measuring in at 6'0, 186 pounds.
Gray stepped onto the scene last season as an all-around receiver, working on all three levels of the field, utilizing his athleticism to make plays both before and after the catch. The ability to be versatile with the route tree resonates well with the 49ers, making Gray an intriguing future slot option.
5. Virginia TE Jelani Woods
Perhaps the biggest winner of the NFL Combine at the position, tight end Jelani Woods showed out, benching 24 reps and running 4.61, despite having a burly 6'7, 253 pound frame.
Woods isn't just an athletic freak either: he caught 44 passes for 598 yards in 2021 at Virginia, adding eight touchdowns.
Woods's combination of size and speed should intrigue the 49ers, who have been looking for a George Kittle-complement for the past few years, and should allow the 49ers to have a versatile tight end group, freeing up Kittle more, as well as giving rookie quarterback Trey Lance a wider arsenal of weapons for 2022.
