The San Francisco 49ers did not draft a wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. The team had selected at least one wideout in each of the previous 19 drafts, dating back to 2002. That streak is dead.
Most assumed the 49ers might add a receiver this year, potentially bolstering the depth behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. One of the receivers from San Francisco's 2019 draft class, Jalen Hurd, has yet to step onto the field for a regular-season game, landing on injured reserve in each of the past two seasons. He suffered an ACL injury during training camp last year.
General manager John Lynch spoke with reporters after the 49ers made their eighth and final draft pick and provided an update on Hurd.
"Jalen's rehab is going well," Lynch shared. "We're eager to get him back here because he's been rehabbing away. But we check in regularly, and he's doing a nice job with his rehab, so we're excited about that.
"I think Jalen's always been a hard worker, and has just had some tough luck with that stuff. He'll continue to work hard, and we think he'll be ready to go."
Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that the team's bad luck with injuries altered its draft strategy this year. They put more of an emphasis on health, and the duo was less inclined to seek value in players who might have seen their draft stock fall because of injuries.
Lynch also provided an update on swing tackle Shon Coleman, who opted out of last season due to COVID concerns. Coleman missed the 2019 season after suffering a broken fibula and ankle injury.
"He's been here a lot this offseason, and he's really looking good," Lynch said, "just out in workouts, which we'll see once we get on the field. But Shon's doing a nice job. We're pleased with that."