One of the most glaring needs for the 2011 San Francisco 49ers was at the wide out position, one of the few true weaknesses the NFC West champions had last season. But the 2012 49ers are looking to change that, as both ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have the Niners taking WR Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech in both of their latest mock drafts.
Hill set Indy ablaze, going sub-4.4 in the 40 while measuring 6-foot-4. San Francisco, meet the deep threat you've been looking for. It's no secret the 49ers need more out of their wide receivers, and Hill brings a new aspect to the table, with elite size and track speed to stretch defenses both for himself, and to open up things underneath. He'll need an adjustment period as he gets used to a more conventional offense, but some team is going to fall in love with the measurables.
This is a big high for a raw prospect like Hill, but with the Patriots and so many other teams looking for size and the ability to stretch the field it won't surprise me to see him off the board this early. Hill (6-4, 215) showed flashes of his big-play ability in 2011 (28 catches, 820 yards), and he had one of the best combine workouts I've ever seen from a wide receiver. The 49ers have a bigger need at cornerback, but with Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn headed for free agency they could be left with Michael Crabtree and a whole lot of nothing at receiver when draft day rolls around.
I believe it's a bit of a no-brainer trying to pick up a wideout this draft for San Francisco, especially if a talent like Hill is still on the board at the end of the first round. Luckily there area few top receivers projected to go in the first round, so they may have their pick come draft day.
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