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Combine Studs and Duds on 49ers Radar
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The 2020 Scouting Combine is now in the rear-view mirror and thus concludes the first major chapter of NFL Draft homework. The San Francisco 49ers are approaching the draft with significantly fewer assets than usual. With the futures of veterans like Arik Armstead, Emmanuel Sanders and Jimmie Ward all up in the air, who are the players on the 49ers' radar who stood out in a good way and who stood out in a bad way?
Studs
WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
Measuring in at 6'3" and 207lbs, Mims was already one of the more imposing physical specimens for the wide receiver position. Then he started to run the drills. Clocking in with a very impressive 4.38 second 40-yard dash was good enough to tie for fifth among all wide receivers. Mims' fleet feet were complemented by 16 bench reps, a 38.5-inch vertical and an agile 6.66 second three cone drill. He may be the biggest winner of the entire Underwear Olympics. The 49ers have been missing a big target on the outside for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo since trading for him and Mims could fill that void.
RB/WR Antonio Gibson, Memphis
It is no secret that head coach Kyle Shanahan values versatility from his offensive weapons and Antonio Gibson has that in spades. He was able to score 14 touchdowns on just 77 touches last year and with Jerick McKinnon's future uncertain, Gibson could fill that role. He was able to post a 4.39 second 40 time at 228lbs showing game changing speed to go along with a very sturdy frame. His 16 bench press repetitions displayed his functional strength that will be required at the next level.
S Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois
The Combine is often a time when small school players can really get themselves into the spotlight for the first time. Jeremy Chinn did exactly that with a notable performance in Indianapolis over the weekend. He possesses elite size for a safety (6'3", 221lbs) and displayed his athleticism with a 4.45 40 time, 20 bench press reps and a 41-inch vertical. Chinn is seen more as a developmental project who will need to learn more from the safety position before he takes over a starting role but his size and speed will get him on the field early.
Duds
DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
The 49ers undoubtedly had Epensa on their draft board but had to be certain that he would not be available when they draft at 31. However, with the emphasis that many teams place on how a prospect shows at the Combine, A.J. Epenesa has to be tumbling down boards. He posted a 40 time over 5 seconds, only had 17 bench press reps and a less than ideal 32.5-inch vertical. Epenesa's game tape should be enough to convince teams that he doesn't need top tier athleticism to win reps at the next level but with the way teams weigh Combine numbers, he could find himself in range for the 49ers. Epenesa would slot in as a replacement for Armstead as a day 1 starter.
CB Stanford Samuels, Florida State
Already seen as a later round prospect, Stanford Samuels did nothing to help his stock in Indianapolis. The only drill he participated in was the 40-yard dash and he ran an uninspired 4.65 seconds. For a position that so often relies on long speed at the next level, his display will not get it done. Samuels' 6'1" frame will undoubtedly get him drafted but it could be later than he had hoped. This ultimately could land him in Santa Clara with the 49ers having many more late round picks than early ones.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
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