Niners Nation
The 49ers could be primed to take a receiver early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It’s draft day, and the rumor mill is churning regarding the San Francisco 49ers, who currently hold the No. 31 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with reports suggesting that they could look to make a move up, potentially even into the Top 10 with a trade.
Ultimately, one position that seems like an increasing desire to take is receiver, even though the 49ers have Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings all currently under contract.
Aiyuk is currently amid contract extension negotiations, Samuel has two years left on his deal, and Jennings is a free agent after the year, so there could be some movement in the room over the next year for the 49ers, which brings us to receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Many have noted how the receiver class is strong once again in this upcoming draft, with the top-end talent being as good as in years past, while the depth is there as well, at least over the first three rounds.
As a result, it feels like a realistic possibility that San Francisco could target the position with one of their first two selections, so let’s evaluate my top 12 receivers in the class and gauge their fit with the 49ers.
These five players missed out on the top 12, with me having a late second-round grade on Wilson as my 13th-best receiver in the class.
Corley has been connected to the 49ers through the draft process, as he reminds many of Deebo Samuel as a shorter, but built receiver who accelerates well and does a ton of damage after the catch.
The speed for Corley is clearly there, and he works well when in motion, allowing him to get a head start on his route. Additionally, Corley is good at finding open space and works well against zones, while playing physically after the catch, which the 49ers have coveted with their receivers.
However, Corley can struggle against physicality, as his hands in press coverage are inconsistent, while he also isn’t a polished route-runner. Overall, Corley also struggled with drops at times, lowering my grade on him.
He’s a good player in certain systems, and will add value to a team looking for a versatile threat, but I have him as a mid-to-late second-rounder in this class.
If the 49ers are looking to replace Samuel with a similar player, Corley could fit that role, although I’d argue that the former’s acceleration is better than the latter’s.
Leggette is one of the more intriguing receivers in the class, as he stands at 6’1, 225 pounds, while running a 4.39 40-yard dash.
To me, he can serve the role of a true deep threat, as he works the field well on crossers and posts...
