The San Francisco 49ers face a wide receiver dilemma this summer, as they are in need of depth, and their future status may get hazy if Brandon Aiyuk begins extension talks with the team.
With Aiyuk potentially receiving an extension, it’s unclear whether San Francisco can maintain both him and Deebo Samuel long-term, raising worries about what their receiver room will look like in the future.
A potential answer could be to acquire depth at some time in the 2024 NFL Draft, and that may come as early as the 49ers conducted a formal meeting with LSU Tigers wideout Brian Thomas Jr. during the combine.
Thomas Jr., a predicted first-round pick, is 6’4, weighs 210 pounds, and has high-end speed and outstanding release to win reps.
When I spoke with the LSU receiver on Friday, he mentioned that he had a formal visit with the 49ers during the combine, which was noteworthy considering his expected draft position and San Francisco’s other interests.
Thomas admires the 49ers’ scheme and would love to be a part of the receiver room if that is his final destination.
“It would be great, just being able to learn from those types of guys [such as Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel],” Thomas told me. “Being with them, being in the system for a couple of years, I would say it would be great.”
During his visit with the 49ers, Thomas mostly discussed his LSU film with the team and had the opportunity to speak with the team’s management, including head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, who appeared to be very detailed and honest during the discussion.
“[During my visit], we were just going over my tape from LSU, going over plays that we went through, going over the little things,” he added. “They [the 49ers staff] were really honest. “Very detailed.”
The visit raises a fascinating discourse, as the 49ers appear to be conducting due research on several of the top receivers, with Thomas’ being the most high-profile so far.
While some may believe that picking a receiver at No. 31 implies a trade for top wideout Brandon Aiyuk, Thomas would really be a fantastic complement to the 49ers receiver, as his skill set might offer up new opportunities for Aiyuk to excel as an all-around player.
Thomas has good ball skills, and his skill set fits the 49ers’ downfield attack, giving defenses two distinct outside wideouts who can routinely challenge man coverage schemes.
Still, it’s worth noting that the 49ers are conducting research with a formal visit to a player of Thomas’ ability at receiver.
In addition, the 49ers conducted official visits at the combine for Xavier Leggette, Xavier Worthy, Troy Franklin, and Jalen McMillan, all of whom are anticipated second-round picks.
Rather than focusing on receivers predicted in the middle rounds of the selection (only USC’s Brendan Rice received a formal interview), the 49ers appear to be particularly interested in some of the class’s top receivers.
