The 49ers are open to trading wide receiver Marquise Goodwin. That was established at the NFL combine when head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team wouldn’t outright release the 29-year-old receiver, and that they’d be open to trading him. The Cowboys’ reported interest in a Goodwin-esque receiver opened that door a little wider. If the 49ers did wind up trading Goodwin before the draft, to the Cowboys or any other team, could it be an indicator of what they’re planning to do in this year’s draft?
Goodwin’s elite speed made him a valuable piece of the 49ers’ offense when he was healthy. His inability to stay on the field the last couple seasons though has left San Francisco’s receiving corps deprived of a consistent threat to blow the top off the defense. Goodwin’s exit, whether it be via trade or release, would leave a void in the 49ers’ receivers room.
They’d need additional speed among a group of pass catchers that specializes in route running and after-the-catch effectiveness. Veteran Travis Benjamin could be leaned on to fill that role, but he’s played fewer games with worse production than Goodwin over the last two years.
That leaves the NFL draft as a way to replace that speed. Enter Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III and his 4.27 40-yard dash.
Ruggs isn’t a perfect prospect, but he might be perfect for what the 49ers’ offense needs in a receiving corps led by Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne. His speed and acceleration are rare, and could be lethal in an offense like Kyle Shanahan’s that generates so much space for its receivers. Ruggs is also the most likely of the group with Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb to drop to the No. 13 pick.
On the other hand, Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have shown a penchant for patience with wide receivers during their three drafts. Trent Taylor was a fifth-round pick. Dante Pettis went in Round 2. So did Deebo Samuel. Jalen Hurd was a third-round selection. Taking Ruggs early in the first round would buck a three-year trend, but the 49ers’ roster also hasn’t been as complete as it is going into this year’s draft.
Perhaps San Francisco does plan to let Goodwin and Benjamin compete for a roster spot and the team will hope the winner stays healthy. If they do wind up trading Goodwin before the draft though, it could be a sign that one of their targets is the fastest of this class’ top receivers.
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