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5 players 49ers should draft in the first round

By Nicholas McGee

Ohio State football quarterback Justin Fields. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State football quarterback Justin Fields. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (0) rushes with the ball after making a catch in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (0) rushes with the ball after making a catch in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

If Alabama duo Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith are on the board at number 12, then the 49ers will likely find it extremely difficult to pass up that opportunity. However, the argument could be made that Bateman would be an even better fit for San Francisco and the Niners could potentially trade back and land the former Golden Gopher while collecting more capital with which to address other areas.

At 6ft 1in and 210 pounds, Bateman would give the 49ers something they have not had at the receiver position for a long time, a receiver whose size can help him develop into a substantial red-zone threat through his ability to dominate at the catch point.

But there is so much more to Bateman’s game than him winning with his size. He is a versatile route-runner who can create separation through intelligent use of his lower-body agility, while he also has the flexibility to string together cuts and pick up yardage after the catch.

While far from a burner, Bateman has enough speed to be a weapon in the open field. The combination of his route-running chops and his YAC upside should appeal greatly to Kyle Shanahan, and Bateman could be the last piece of the puzzle among an extremely talented group of pass-catchers.