The 49ers aren’t going to telegraph their draft targets, but it’s hard to imagine they don’t take a long look at Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault, who underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a core muscle. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Shenault played the entire season on the injury.
San Francisco likely has interest in Shenault because of his Deebo Samuel-like skill set. He lined up all over the field for the Buffaloes, and made plays as a runner and receiver in their offense. In his last two seasons, he caught 149 balls for 1,943 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also notched 42 carries for 280 yards and seven touchdowns in those two years. His lone punt return in college went for a 55-yard touchdown in his freshman year. He returned one kick for 54 yards as a junior.
Given Samuel’s success in 2019 with the 49ers, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see teams jump at the chance to snag Shenault – especially teams like the Patriots, Saints and Ravens who have a combination of offensive creativity and a need for playmakers.
However, the surgery on his core muscle and his 4.59 40-yard dash could push his draft stock down some and give the 49ers a chance to scoop up another multifaceted playmaker late in the first round or early in the second if they trade down.
The comparisons between Shenault and Samuel aren’t exact – Shenault is two inches taller and close to 15 pounds heavier – but it’s easy to see how his experience as a receiver and runner would be utilized by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
San Francisco may never get a chance to draft Shenault, but it’s hard to believe they won’t target him, especially if he slides down the board on Draft Day.
