Another offensive star is not much at the top of the 49ers’ priority list in this year’s NFL draft, but there is a growing chance that the country’s most prolific wide receiver last season will fall for them in 12th overall. Instead of avoiding the Heisman DeVonta Smith Trophy winner to trade back or reach a player in a position of most urgent need, the 49ers in the latest NFL Wire simulated draft take Smith and give themselves, perhaps, the best group of pass catchers in the NFL.
Superficially, it doesn’t make much sense, as Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk figure as the first two recipients, but both suffered injuries last year and Kendrick Bourne’s departure from the free agency left him a place in third place as a wide receiver. Smith can do everything Bourne did in the 49ers attack and more.
Here is Doug Farrar, author of the simulation:
If you want to find statistics that detail his versatility and perfect fit in any attack, last season, he ranked first in the NCAA in receptions and deep yards, and first in receptions and screen yards. Wherever he is on the field, Smith will find a way to smoke his defense.
Smith also filled in the score for the traditional box. In 2019, he recorded 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns in 68 receptions. He followed up with 117 receptions, 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to winning the Heisman Trophy last year.
He influences games in so many ways that it would be difficult to overthrow San Francisco for stealing the best player available. They would need to work hard to fill some other needs later in the draft, but Smith would undoubtedly give 49ers one of the most prolific groups of NFL game makers.