TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 09: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 9, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers have two picks in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Here we look at five players they could target on day one.
The San Francisco 49ers are a much more intriguing team in the 2020 NFL Draft following their trade for the 13th-overall pick.
San Francisco parted with an elite defensive talent in DeForest Buckner to net that compensation from the Indianapolis Colts.
Buckner’s disruptiveness on the defensive line will be missed but, with picks 13 and 31 at their disposal, the 49ers are in a position to add two top-tier talents or acquire more capital in the later rounds with which to retool a roster that came within minutes of winning Super Bowl LIV.
Regardless of whether the 49ers decide to pursue a trade, they will be picking in the first round and here we look at five players who figure to be on their radar on day one.
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
CeeDee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy are firmly in the conversation for the 49ers with the No. 13 pick. However, an increasing amount of mock drafts have the Niners going with Alabama speedster in Ruggs.
The appeal of Ruggs for the 49ers is obvious. Having been burned by Kansas City Chiefs star Tyreek Hill on a game-turning play in Super Bowl LIV, the Niners would add a receiver with the same downfield potential by drafting Ruggs.
Ruggs ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine and that remarkable speed allows him to consistently take the top off opposing defenses and turn short passes into significant gains.
Blessed with quick feet and fluid change-of-direction ability, Ruggs can win early in the route with his stem as well as his speed. After the catch, Ruggs is substantially more physical than expected given his 5-foot-11 and 188-pound frame and possesses the contact balance to shake off tackle attempts and stay on his feet.
Selecting Ruggs would allow the 49ers to part with oft-injured deep threat Marquise Goodwin, replacing the former Buffalo Bill with a younger and cheaper receiver who presents greater upside and saving money for the looming George Kittle contract extension. Picking Ruggs is a move that would make football and financial sense for the 49ers.