There’s a good chance the San Francisco 49ers won’t select a wide receiver in the first round of this year’s draft, but there are still a few intriguing prospects expected to be available later on day two or three who could provide some depth to the receiving corps. One of those rookies, Cincinnati wide receiver Jeff Caldwell, recently had a virtual meeting with the 49ers.
Caldwell told Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo that he met with San Francisco and several other teams via Zoom during the pre-draft process.
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Caldwell measured 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds at the combine. This is a very good size for a receiver. He then ran a 4.31 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical jump, putting him firmly on the map after a dismal year in FBS football. Before joining Cincinnati, Caldwell spent his first four years at Lindenwood University, which was a Division II school when he arrived. They moved to FCS in his second season.
Caldwell had 32 catches for 478 yards and six touchdowns for the Bearcats last season. In four years at Lindenwood, he caught 93 passes for 1,772 yards and 23 touchdowns in 28 games.
While Caldwell is long and athletic and may have some issues that lower his standing on the team’s board of directors, San Francisco’s situation could be a good fit for a prospect who Dane Brugler of The Athletic said needs a lot of work.
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Caldwell is still underdeveloped physically and fundamentally, but he offers rare length and speed, meaning he has the potential to grow into a downfield threat. He needs a patient coaching staff willing to invest in his talent.
The rookie won’t help the 49ers much this year, but it could pay long-term dividends as Caldwell will make his mark in the NFL under future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. Evans is one of the best deep ball receivers in the history of the game, and his guidance could provide Caldwell an opportunity to learn how to best use his physical tools to his advantage.
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The 49ers will also be a club that Caldwell won’t necessarily play for need Play now. Evans, Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk all top the depth chart. Veteran DeMarcus Robinson and 2025 fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins are also included. They have plenty of options and Caldwell won’t be forced into action and can focus on improving as a receiver rather than making an immediate impact.
However, if the 49ers are looking to add a wide receiver via the draft, they may be looking for a player who can help right away. They do have a long-term need at the position, though, and taking a shot at Caldwell later in the draft would make a lot of sense whether they draft another WR or not.
More 49ers: Possible 49ers first-round pick holds pre-draft visit with team
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL Draft: 49ers, Jeff Caldwell could be perfect fit
