San Francisco 49ers: Grading the 2019 NFL Draft class
By Justin Fried
Round 3 (67th Overall) — Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
The 49ers decided to double up at a position of need with their selection of Baylor wide receiver Jalen Hurd in the third round.
Hurd is an ideal developmental receiver with the physical traits to be a star receiver at the next level. The former Tennessee running back is a physical specimen who possesses soft hands and superb YAC ability.
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However, there are certainly a few areas of his game that could use some refinement. Having played just one season at the wide receiver position after transferring from Tennessee, Hurd isn’t the most technically proficient route runner and could use some work on his releases.
In an ideal scenario, San Francisco will first use him in a similar role to how the New England Patriots have used Cordarrelle Patterson with the potential to see more snaps as a true receiver as his game develops over time.
Still, it is fair to question the team going with the developmental Hurd here instead of a defensive back, especially with multiple corners such as David Long and Justin Layne still on the clock. Because of that, the overall grade drops a bit as this selection could have been used to address a bigger need with a player who projects less as a project.