We all know that the San Francisco 49ers' combination of Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert under center was a less than ideal circumstance this past season. While both QBs struggled, they also weren't helped much by their pass-catchers. San Fran finished the 2015 season ranked No. 26 in receptions (322), No. 28 in receiving yards per game (227.9) and No. 29 in receiving touchdowns (16). Letting Michael Crabtree walk in free agency after a down couple of seasons also looks to be the wrong move now as he enjoyed a bounce back season in Oakland. Long story short: the 49ers need a couple playmakers for their passing game, especially now that Chip Kelly is calling the shots.
Though it wouldn't be a huge shock to see Kelly target a quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft, the odds are that the top options will be off the board by the time they pick at No. 7. If so, ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects them to take Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell in his Mock Draft 2.0.
"Chip Kelly must eventually solve the 49ers' QB situation, but if [Jared] Goff and [Carson] Wentz are off the board, it's likely not going to happen with this pick," McShay wrote. "The next-best option: Treadwell, who is this draft's clear-cut top wide receiver. He might not blaze a 4.3 40 at the combine, but he's a legit difference-maker at every level of the field. Treadwell reminds me a lot of Dez Bryant physically when he was coming out of Oklahoma State. This is a big, strong receiver with a very good combination of athletic ability, body control and ball skills."
Treadwell's stats back up McShay's argument. The junior pass-catcher hauled in 82 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns this past year. Though he may not be as highly touted as Amari Cooper or Sammy Watkins were coming out of school, he is this year's top prospect at the position. Treadwell is the type of guy who can come in and make your team better from Day 1 with his big play ability and competitiveness. He'd slot in nicely for whoever is throwing passes for San Francisco next season.
