San Francisco 49ers: Grading Day 2 picks in 2019 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers doubled down on wide receivers on Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft, but did they make the right picks to pair with Jimmy Garoppolo?

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are all in on the offense. At No. 36 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, the 49ers brass opted for playmaker Deebo Samuel out of South Carolina. The 5-11, 214-pound wideout is a day one starter as a boundary receiver.

Samuel is a solid route runner with a good floor and high ceiling. He’s a true playmaker who can add value as a return man. On short routes, he’s a threat to take it the distance and he’s fast enough to blow the top off a defense.

During his senior season, Samuel amazes over 880 yards and 11 touchdowns. During the Senior Bowl, Samuel dominated the competition, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. Samuel has a skill-set comparable to Golden Tate.

Despite having drafted Samuel the 49ers went on to draft another receiver with their third-rounder. With the No. 67 pick, the 49ers drafted Baylor wide receiver and former Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd. Similarly to Samuel, Hurd is versatile.

As mentioned, Hurd spent time at running back while as a Volunteer. During his tenure, he had over 2,000 yards rushing including a 1,200-yard, 12-touchdown season in 2015. After playing just seven games in 2016 Hurd transferred to Baylor as a receiver.

The 6-5, nearly 230-pound former back showed he was a natural at his new position. In his only season, Hurd totaled 946 yards and four touchdowns. However, he’s far from polished. Hurd is a high upside prospect who can develop into a playmaker. The 49ers can use him as a big slot.

Still, they didn’t have to take another receiver after drafting Samuel. Overkill dropped the grade but the players can become the focal point of the offense.

Grade C