49ers 2020 NFL Draft: Scouting reports for all five picks this year

Share

The 49ers were wheeling and dealing during the 2020 NFL Draft. They entered the three-day event with seven picks and wound up making five selections, while also acquiring star left tackle Trent Williams from Washington.

San Francisco had receivers Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb fall into their laps when they came on the clock at No. 13, and even when they moved back one spot in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But they instead chose former South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, and later traded up in the first round to add receiver Brandon Aiyuk at No. 25. 

Over their five draft picks, the 49ers added two receivers, a defensive lineman, an offensive lineman and a tight end.

From Kinlaw to Jauan Jennings, the 49ers' final pick in the draft, here are pre-draft scouting reports on all five players from NFL Media's Lance Zierlein. 

Javon Kinlaw, DT, No. 14 overall

Analysis: "For a player with so many elite physical traits, Kinlaw's tape was much more inconsistent than expected. He had moments where he was able to use his size, length and power to overwhelm opponents, but poor pad level and an inability to harness his energy coming off the snap led to body control and balance issues that prevented him from reaching his full potential. He can be a disruptive force along the interior with that explosive first step and freaky physical gifts, but utilizing his heavy hands and plus length as a read-and-react 3-4 end might allow for improved technique, control and consistency. No matter the front, Kinlaw's traits and potential could make him a solid starter early in his career."
Grade: 6.50 (Boom or bust prospect)

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, No. 25 overall

Analysis: "Ascending receiving prospect who has shown continued improvement since coming from the JUCO ranks. Aiyuk has size, speed and is a natural pass-catcher who plays with good energy but he must improve physicality to handle contested catches. He can be slick and instinctive to separate out of stems and turns, but getting in and out of standard route breaks tends to limit his effectiveness. He needs more polish, but his ability to create yards after catch could get him some early reps while he's still developing. He has the potential to develop into a WR3."
Grade: 6.38 (Will be starter within first two seasons)

Colton McKivitz, OL, No. 153 overall 

Analysis: "Tackle prospect with below-average arm length, average athleticism and above-average nasty. While he's likely to be tagged as a right tackle, he may have the tools to fit into a swing tackle role if needed. He's got good natural strength but some lower body tightness hinders leverage both as a drive blocker and in his pass anchor. McKivitz can be a little tardy on backside cutoffs, but moves well enough to handle blocking duties in space. His dirt-dog mentality will be welcomed in offensive line rooms, but he will have to fight to be become an NFL starter."
Grade: 5.91 (Backup/special teams)

Charlie Woerner, TE, No. 190 overall 

Analysis: "Hard-charging, pesky blocker whose lack of size and length make him a candidate for a move to fulltime fullback or H-back. Woerner simply doesn't have it in him to give the defender a half-speed rep and he's more than ready to collide into his target on iso-blocks or in space. He has the body control and radar to handle move blocking duties but lacks the physical traits teams seek. Woerner has some athleticism but was a relative non-factor as a pass-catcher and needs to stand out on special teams to bolster his chances."
Grade: 5.51 (Chance to make end of roster or practice squad)

Jauan Jennings, WR, No. 217 overall

Analysis: "Big slot target with size, savvy and toughness, but lacking in functional speed and general quickness. Jennings can be clever in stemming and tilting coverage enough to open throwing windows, but getting away from press coverage is going to be difficult for him. What he can't do may keep him from being drafted, but competitiveness at the catch point, with the ball in his hands, and as a blocker should get him into camp and give him an outside shot as a big, possession slot."
Grade: 5.40 (Priority free agent)

[49ERS INSIDER PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]

Contact Us