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.
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers legend Patrick Willis reacts to Fred Warner breaking his tackle record
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner recorded a game-high 11 tackles last week against the Los Angeles Rams, bringing his career total to 959, according to Pro Football Reference. That moved him past Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis, who finished his career with 950... -
49ers injury news: Demarcus Robinson, James Thompson Jr. suffer high-ankle sprains, other updates from Kyle Shanahan
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters on a conference call Monday, one day after the team's 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. He provided several injury updates following the game. Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson suffered an ankle injury during the... -
49ers use first-round pick on tight end in 2027 NFL mock draft
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle played 30 snaps last week against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. The All-Pro recorded two receptions for 12 yards on five targets in his return from an Achilles injury suffered in January. With just one week of NFL... -
49ers named trade fit for Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. by ESPN insider
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes the situation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has reached a tipping point, potentially opening the door for a trade involving the San Francisco 49ers. Fowler believes a Porter trade is realistic, and the cornerback...