The San Francisco 49ers coaching staff was able to get an up close and personal look at the 2019 Senior Bowl players. Now that the game has been played and the dust has settled, there are some players from both squads that 49ers' fans should keep their eye on throughout the draft process. Here are some standouts from the practices and game who should be on the 49ers' draft radar.
Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
During the game, Deebo Samuel caught one pass for 15 yards and showed his versatility as a return man. However, the practices are where Samuel was able to shine as he spent the entire week shaking cornerbacks out of their shoes in individual drills. Kyle Shanahan values certain traits in wide receivers and chief among them is the ability to create separation. At 6'0" and 209lbs, Samuel displays very good fluidity and speed for a receiver of his size. The 49ers have a need at wide receiver and Samuel displays the desirable traits to succeed in Shanahan's offense.
Charles Omenihu, DL, Texas
Charles Omenihu put together a monster game on Saturday with a sack, a pair of tackles behind the line of scrimmage and a forced fumble. The South team's offensive line had a problem containing Omenihu all game long. The 49ers have a gaping hole at the LEO, a position that is integral to the success of Robert Saleh's defensive scheme. Omenihu possesses the ideal size and skillset to plug into the 49ers' defensive line alongside DeForest Buckner.
Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
Another defensive player from the North squad, Nasir Adderley is one of the few true, single-high safeties in this year's draft. Jon Gruden and his staff tried to stick a round peg into a square hole during practices when they tried to have Adderley play as a slot corner. When the game rolled around and Adderley returned to his natural position, he showed why he was a small school player deserving of the invite. He tied for the team lead in tackles with five and had the only interception on the afternoon as he picked off QB Tyree Jackson. The safety position is currently in flux for the 49ers and Adderley provides a scheme fit in the event the position is not addressed in free agency.
Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
Joe Staley has been a stalwart for the 49ers offensive line since he was drafted in 2007. Unfortunately, Father Time is undefeated, and the 49ers will have to replace Staley at some point. Dalton Risner exhibited excellent skills as a run blocker for the North team running backs. Risner also has an innate ability to stand his ground in pass protection and that was on display all week. The most attractive aspect of Risner's game is his capability to slide into any spot among the offensive line. He could start as a guard before taking over for Staley upon his retirement.
Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison
Clemson WR Hunter Renfrow regularly beat competition during individual drills during practices for the South team. Jimmy Moreland, a late addition after a solid performance at the East-West Shrine Game, was able to routinely keep Renfrow in check. Moreland does not have the size as many of his peers but makes up for that by being one of the most competitive players on the field at any given time. He showed an incredible ability to smother wide receivers out of the slot and near the goal line. Deebo Samuel listed Moreland as the best cornerback he faced all week. Moreland would fit in very well among Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon as the Nickel corner.
- Matthew Barr
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Written by:Matthew Barr has been writing for 49ers Webzone and 49ers Hub since 2018 and co-hosts the 4th and Gold podcast which can be found on all podcast platforms. He can be found on Twitter fighting an endless battle to get the underscore removed from his handle, @MattBarr_.
