After selecting USC edge rusher Drake Jackson with the 61st pick and LSU running back Tyrion Davis-Price with the 93rd pick, the 49ers finished the second day of the draft by selecting wide receiver Danny Gray out of SMU with the 105th pick.
Following a questionable running back selection at 93, the 49ers filled a need at 105, adding true deep speed to a diverse wide receiver group that includes Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and Ray-Ray McCloud.
Gray, who suffered from below-average quarterback play at SMU, possesses low-4.2s speed, and can line up in the slot or on the outside.
Additionally, given his 6'0, 186-pound frame and exceptional speed, Gray possesses special teams intrigue, which is extremely important to Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers, as it saves the team a spot on the 53-man roster.
Had the 49ers gone either interior offensive line or safety with the 93rd pick, the team could be in a much different state roster-wise, but the team still has a multitude of Day 3 selections to fill out the depth on the roster.
While it seems unlikely at this point, Gray could serve as receiver insurance in case the Deebo Samuel situation remains unresolved, as he provides the 49ers with another young, talented receiver under four years of team control.
The 49ers seemed to be very intrigued by Gray during the pre-draft process, having met with him during the Combine and bringing him up for a Top-30 visit.
Gray, who seemed primed for a late-second/early-third round selection, fell to the 49ers, who, once again, elect to go with the player value over need at their pick.
The Gray selection raises questions about the playing time for the rest of the receivers, but, at worst, the SMU product could be a valuable special-teamer in 2022.
Heading into Day 3, the 49ers hold one fourth-round selection, a fifth-rounder, three sixth-rounders, and a seventh-round pick.
- Rohan Chakravarthi
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Written by:Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
