The San Francisco 49ers drafted SMU wide receiver Danny Gray with the final third-round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. There’s no position the 49ers have devoted more draft capital to than wide receiver since Kyle Shanahan became the team’s head coach. That continued on Friday when they added one of the most dynamic vertical threats in the draft.
Gray originally committed to Missouri from high school, but was diverted to Blinn College to meet NCAA Division-1 academic requirements. After initially committing to TCU, Gray moved to instate rival SMU for his final two collegiate seasons. Gray averaged 15.3 yards per reception during his two years with the Mustangs and caught 49 passes for 803 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season.
If Arnold Ebiketie falls I would trade for him in an instant.
Players I like today and for the rest of the draft:
EDGE e-bike tie
S jalen pitre
S jaquan livelier
DB Cam Taylor Britt
Luke Fortner
OL logan bruss
Cdohnovan West
WR George Pickens
WR Danny Grey
RB Jerome Ford https://t.co/0hmsmPY604— KP (@KP_Show) April 29, 2022
Gray was a player the Niners dated. He’s also a player I identified as suitable today. Its speed is uncanny. Gray has the breakaway speed but also knows how to let loose against press coverage. Gray ran a 4.33-40 yard dash and plays so fast. When the ball is in his hands, he will impress. Only four wide receivers in the draft averaged more yards after the catch than Gray.
He’s a competitor. I assume Kyle Shanahan sold that. Gray tries hard as a run blocker. Now there are times when Gray will let the ball get into his frame and drop it or double catch the ball, allowing the defender to make a play. He has to get better at that. He could offer additional value for special teams as he returned kicks for SMU in 2020.
Big Board Ranking:
ESPN: 177
Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com): 87
PFF: 97
Danny Kelly (The Ringer): Unranked (out of 100)
Dane Brugler (The Athletic): 118
opinion poll
What grade do you give the 49ers for their Danny Gray selection?
Center, guard, safety and nickel corner are the most noticeable gaps in the 49ers’ roster, but they have some questions about their depth of attack and tight end heading into Day 3 of the draft.
Here are the 49ers’ remaining picks: 134, 172, 187, 220, 221, 262