The San Francisco 49ers ranked 22nd in the NFL in receiving touchdowns (20) last year, 29th in receptions (306) and 31st in receiving yards per game (212.9). Part of that has to do with the overall lack of talent at the position in 2014. Michael Crabtree, Stevie Johnson and an aging Anquan Boldin weren't exactly game breakers. But part of that also has to do with the uneven play from quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The Niners have confidence that Kaepernick can get back to the dynamic playmaker he was when San Francisco made their Super Bowl run. But to do that, general manager Trent Baalke is going to have to provide him with some additional weapons in the passing game. That's why he signed Torrey Smith in free agency, and that's why the 49ers may be interested in wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham in the second-round of the NFL Draft.
"After adding Torrey Smith in free agency, San Francisco adds another talent on the perimeter with Green-Beckham," ESPN Insider Kevin Weidl wrote. "His off-field history and lack of experience/polish are legitimate concerns, but at this spot, the risk might be worth the reward due to his upside."
Green-Beckham was dismissed from Missouri due to repeated run-ins with the law. He was arrested twice for marijuana possession and was questioned by police for allegedly pushing a woman down a flight of stairs though he was never charged. He then transferred to Oklahoma, where he was forced to sit out the entire season due to NCAA rules.
Despite his checkered past, DGB offers a rare combination of size (6-foot-5, 237 pounds) and speed (4.49 40-yard dash). He has drawn some comparisons to Calvin Johnson. In two seasons at Missouri, he caught 87 passes for 1,278 yards and 17 touchdowns. He would provide Kaep with a big target, especially in the red zone, who can win most 50/50 balls. However, the Niners will have to coach him up a lot as he remains very raw.