Spotlighting the 49ers Local Pro Day
The 49ers held their annual local pro day on Wednesday, where local college prospects are able to showcase their talent in an actual professional team-run practice. GM John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and coordinators Klay Kubiak, Robert Saleh, and Brant Boyer were all in attendance observing the practices. This is a significant day on a lot of schedules for prospects who haven’t had much spotlight until now. Most of them are from around the area, or they attend universities in the 49ers’ proximity. Prospects from colleges like California, San Jose State, Stanford, and UCLA were competing.
The majority of these draft prospects are valued at most in the latter parts of day two. California linebacker Teddye Buchanan was probably the most prominent prospect who actually participated in practice drills and workouts, and he stood out. Buchanan burst onto the scene with an impressive combine workout, and he could be a possible target for San Francisco with the key departure of Dre Greenlaw. Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor was in attendance, however, he was on the sidelines watching the practice while having conversations with John Lynch and 49ers wide receiver coach Leonard Hankerson. Davante Adams did a similar thing when he was invited to the 49ers’ local pro day coming out of Fresno State during the 2014 NFL Draft process. It seems both sides already seem to have a mutual connection, so it will be interesting to see how the 49ers view Ayomanor as a potential option with one of their three Day two selections.
San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash was also participating in the drills on Wednesday. Nash produced in his time as a Spartan, where he was first in the FBS at the wide receiver position in receiving yards and touchdowns with 1,382 yards and 16 TDs. This local pro day has not only been beneficial for the prospects who gain more reps and practice before the draft officially begins, but it also benefits the 49ers. The team has found talent at this pro day recently after inviting Terique Owens, Terrell Owens’ son, and later signing him as a UDFA, where he has now contributed on the 49ers’ practice squad this past season. Washington wide receiver Giles Jackson could be the player who takes that same step after his performance today. I find it intriguing whether they continue the trend and use this workout as a way to begin eyeing potential hidden gems they could take time to develop.
