49ers 7-Round Mock Draft: Niners land a top receiver and pass rusher
By Allen Settle
Round 1 (13th Overall): Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
The 49ers made the difficult decision to part ways with perennial Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Deforest Buckner during the offseason.
While the absence in the interior of the defensive line will be felt, the move allowed the team to save a significant amount of cap space, while also adding the valuable 13th overall pick.
Adding Jerry Jeudy with this selection would be the perfect addition to San Francisco’s roster. He is generally considered the best overall receiver in his class. I also predict he will be on the board after the Raiders add CeeDee Lamb at No. 12.
Jeudy is a five-star prospect with no obvious holes in his game. His best trait is his excellent route-running ability.
He has perfected the skill of cutting, separating, and being in the exact place he needs to be at all times. This should allow the young receiver to improve even more as he develops a rapport with a quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo.
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His elite speed and athleticism will allow him to make an impact at every level of the field. Scouts have also praised his body control and foot skills. This should help Jeudy utilize every part of the turf by making Antonio Brown-style sideline catches with very little space.
Jeudy has been compared to fellow Alabama star Amari Cooper. However, I believe that his size and unique athletic style will allow him to surpass this comparison.
His only notable point of improvement is his consistency as a catcher. Don’t get me wrong, Jeudy has good hands that will translate well at the NFL level. He does, however, have a tendency to catch the ball with his body, rather than bring it in with his hands.
That small issue aside, there is little doubt that Jeudy will develop into a dangerous playmaker in the NFL. He would be an outstanding complement to rising star Deebo Samuel (and All-Pro tight end George Kittle).
The duo would give the Bay Area a dangerous passing attack to complement their top-tier running game.
Honorable Mention: Henry Ruggs III (WR, Alabama), CeeDee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma)