Key Takeaways:
– San Francisco 49ers found a gem in Brock Purdy, their seventh-round quarterback pick at the 2022 NFL draft.
– Poor decisions in past drafts have marred 49ers’ performance, notably the 2021 selection of Trey Lance and consequent costly trades.
– Ambry Thomas and Drake Jackson are potential 2021 and 2022 mismatches respectively, while third-rounder from 2022, Tyrion Price-Davis, has already left.
– Promising draft pick, wide receiver Danny Gray’s chances of making it to the 49ers’ final team line-up look slim due to persistent injuries.
Brock Purdy: A Silver Lining Amid The Draft Woes
Securing an efficient quarterback such as Brock Purdy in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft has provided the 49ers some relief amidst their recent history of less successful draft picks. The last-minute choice has proved significantly beneficial, enabling the 49ers to stay in contentions for next year’s Super Bowl. Purdy’s breakthrough acts as a buffer against criticisms concerning the 49er’s draft strategies.
Disappointing Draft Choices: Trey Lance and More
The 2021 NFL draft was particularly challenging for the San Francisco 49ers, considering the disappointing performance of their third overall pick, Trey Lance. The unfortunate part was the pricey arrangement of securing Lance that involved forfeiting their own pick in the same draft along with first-rounders in 2022 and 2023, and a third-rounder in 2022.
The trouble with their draft choices doesn’t stop there. The team’s third-round pick in 2021, Ambry Thomas, is uncertain to make the team, and the second-rounder in 2022, Drake Jackson, also seems unsure about securing his place. To add to the turmoil, the 2023 third-round pick, Jake Moody’s engagement as a kicker seems dubious.
Danny Gray: An Ill-starred Journey
In 2021, the 49ers believed they had discovered a promising player in wide receiver Danny Gray. Despite his potential, poor health has limited his chances to prove his worth on the field. His performance has been non-satisfactory, with the receiver making only one catch from seven attempts over two years, none of which happened in 2023.
His persistent injury history includes hamstring, hip, and ankle issues in his rookie year, while a sprained shoulder in August last year, kept him on injured reserve. While the consensus might indicate Gray falls short of expectations, the team’s consistent issues about Day 2 of the draft can’t be ignored.
Looming Decision: To Keep or Cut Danny Gray
Eric Branch, a 49ers beat writer, suggests that Gray may not make the cut due to his constant health issues. Though considered a talented speedster, his inconsistent presence on the field and a lack of substantial progress puts his future with the team in question. According to Branch, given the team’s roster, even the practice squad might be a distant dream for Gray.
As things stand, Day 2 of the draft is crucial for many NFL teams for scouting significant talent. However, for the 49ers, their past draft decisions are coming back to haunt them. It remains to be seen how they navigate this persistent issue and what the future holds for their “wasted pick”, Danny Gray.