San Francisco 49ers: 5 Targets in 2020 NFL Draft to remain atop NFC
5. Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
One of the underrated qualities that Emmanuel Sanders brought to the table was his sure-handedness. He rarely dropped a pass. According to Pro Football Focus, Sanders dropped one pass on 96 targets in 2020.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Since the 49ers have a limited number of picks in the 2020 NFL Draft they could look to trade down from either No. 13 or 31 and stockpile mid-round picks. If they opt to trade down, a player such as Oregon State’s Isaiah Hodgins is someone who can come in and replace Sanders.
The former Oregon State wideout is tailor-made to play on the outside. He’s 6-4, 210 pounds with an excellent 80-inch wingspan. Hodgins uses his length to his advantage in his ability to box out defenders whether it’s underneath or deep routes. Most importantly, he does not drop passes and he runs solid routes. He doesn’t have elite speed but he does what’s needed for downfield routes.
Somewhere in the middle rounds will be the diamond in the rough and Hodgins fits that bill. Even without trading, the 49ers could end up with him in the fifth round, when they pick next after their pair of first-round selections. He can come in and play the boundary, allowing Jalen Hurd to potentially man the slot with Deebo Samuel as the No. 1 target. The 49ers would have a trio of powerful receivers that fit the identity of their team.
Other Day 3 options are Gabriel Davis and John Hightower as both wide receivers are speedy vertical threats who could open up the offense.