The 49ers didn’t have to go far to attend Stanford’s Pro Day on Thursday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, vice president of player personnel Adam Peters, and a host of other coaches and front office members were there according to the Athletic’s David Lombardi and Matt Barrows.
Stanford doesn’t have a ton of top-end talent in this year’s draft. Wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside is the top-rated player on Draft Wire’s board at No. 57 overall. Arcega-Whiteside could be the 49ers’ answer at receiver if they determine he can get open with consistency in different areas of the field. He’s already proven his chops as a terrific jump-ball and contested catch artist. Barrows reported that coaches wide receivers coach Wes Welker and offensive assistant Katie Sowers were on hand.
The players further down the list on Days 2 and 3 of the draft could be where the 49ers do tap the local university. Running back Bryce Love had a monster 2017, but dealt with injuries and couldn’t top it in 2018.
Tight end Kaden Smith is a Day 3 prospect who could serve as an additional player in a position group that isn’t very deep for San Francisco. Linebacker Bobby Okereke is another player who could add depth for the 49ers. He’s super athletic and could present a late Day 2 or Day 3 option for San Francisco. Offensive linemen Nate Herbig and Jesse Burkett will also be late-round picks in this year’s draft, and San Francisco may acquire some additional bodies to compete for reserve spots along the offensive front.
The elite talent may not be there for Stanford this year, but the amount of potential Day 3 players makes it more likely Lynch might go snag a prospect from his alma mater.
