49ers selected SMU WR Danny Gray with the No. 105 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
After spending two years at Blinn Community College, Gray (6'/186) transferred to SMU in 2020, amassing an 82-1,251-13 line in 18 games as a Mustang. Gray blazed a 4.33 40 at the Combine with a 34-inch vertical and 10-foot-6 broad jump, showing the elite speed that is evident on tape. He has struggled with drops and might have trouble with physical coverage in the NFL, but Gray is a big play waiting to happen who could easily outplay his draft stock. The Athletic's draft guru Dane Brugler said if there is a Darnell Mooney in this draft, he would bet on Gray.
Apr 29, 2022, 11:29 PM ET
Danny Gray, WR, San Francisco 49ers
One of this year's more surprising third-round picks was Danny Gray. The former SMU receiver was productive in college, tallying 1,251 yards and 13 touchdowns while posting 15.3 yards per catch. But he also posted an 8.3 percent drop rate in 2020 and 12.5 percent drop rate in 2021, per On Tap Sports Net.
San Francisco opted for the 6'2", 200-pound Gray over other accomplished speedy prospects such as Romeo Doubs, Khalil Shakir and Bo Melton. The 49ers lacked a true downfield threat despite having talented playmakers in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Gray, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, certainly qualifies as a viable deep option for quarterback Trey Lance.
With Samuel's long-term status in flux, as his contract situation has yet to be settled, Gray has shown the upside to grow into a bigger role. According to Cam Inman of the Mercury News, Gray impressed with his route running and speed through OTAs. SMU's offense was more of an Air Raid attack than a precision-based strategy, so Gray's route-running was rarely on display in college.
If Gray is more advanced than what he was able to show off in college, he could assume a much larger role in this offense than expected.
https://twitter.com/lombardihimself/status/1537166113154424833?s=21David Lombardi @LombardiHimself
Brandon Aiyuk said at the 49ers' State of the Franchise that rookie WR Danny Gray hit 23 mph in college at SMU. That's Raheem Mostert speed
Gray will have a role this year, but Jennings will be the true "#3". Big target in the red zone and short yardage, plus a monster blocker.I'd be surprised if Gray didn't supplant Jauan Jennings for the WR3 job in SF. He could also become a huge part of the offense if Deebo leaves after the season.
I like Gray as a mid 2nd round pick in dynasty drafts. Say 20th overall or so.
He went 3.09, 4.08, 4.12 in three 1 PPR dynasty drafts, start 1qb, and went undrafted in 3 others.I'd be surprised if Gray didn't supplant Jauan Jennings for the WR3 job in SF. He could also become a huge part of the offense if Deebo leaves after the season.
I like Gray as a mid 2nd round pick in dynasty drafts. Say 20th overall or so.
3 owners got steals in my opinion. Assuming 12 team leagues, I have no idea how 48 rookies would have gone ahead of him, unless its a very high scoring IDP league.He went 3.09, 4.08, 4.12 in three 1 PPR dynasty drafts, start 1qb, and went undrafted in 3 others.
12 team leagues in five, 14 team league in one. No IDP in any. Three leagues are DEVY however.travdogg said:3 owners got steals in my opinion. Assuming 12 team leagues, I have no idea how 48 rookies would have gone ahead of him, unless its a very high scoring IDP league.
I just think he's a great fit in a Shanahan offense, and brings an element nobody else there does, namely 4.3 speed.
49ers WR Danny Gray caught 2-of-4 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Packers.
Gray played with the first-team offense, catching a 76-yard touchdown from Trey Lance on the second drive of the night. It's a reminder that Gray, a college producer who ran 4.3 at the Combine, is a sleeper for targets in a 49ers offense that should take more deep shots with Lance this year. Gray has the upside to unseat Brandon Aiyuk, who's been in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse the past two seasons, as the 49ers' No. 2 receiver.
Aug 13, 2022, 10:00 AM ET
49ers WR Danny Gray caught 2-of-4 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Packers.
Gray played with the first-team offense, catching a 76-yard touchdown from Trey Lance on the second drive of the night. It's a reminder that Gray, a college producer who ran 4.3 at the Combine, is a sleeper for targets in a 49ers offense that should take more deep shots with Lance this year. Gray has the upside to unseat Brandon Aiyuk, who's been in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse the past two seasons, as the 49ers' No. 2 receiver.
Aug 13, 2022, 10:00 AM ET
Probably minimal fantasy impact this year.
Shanahan has done nothing but praise Aiyuk since mini-camp. Gray has upside, but he's not cracking the top 2 any time soon.
No reasonable person is drafting Gray expecting him to usurp either of them in 22. They're picking him in case one of those two gets injured or for dynasty purposes he plays well enough for the 9ers to justify parting with one of them. I didn't make him a priority because I'll be very surprised if Aiyuk doesn't at least see the end of his contract, but I did get a couple of cheap shares anyway.49ers WR Danny Gray caught 2-of-4 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Packers.
Gray played with the first-team offense, catching a 76-yard touchdown from Trey Lance on the second drive of the night. It's a reminder that Gray, a college producer who ran 4.3 at the Combine, is a sleeper for targets in a 49ers offense that should take more deep shots with Lance this year. Gray has the upside to unseat Brandon Aiyuk, who's been in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse the past two seasons, as the 49ers' No. 2 receiver.
Aug 13, 2022, 10:00 AM ET
Shanahan has done nothing but praise Aiyuk since mini-camp. Gray has upside, but he's not cracking the top 2 any time soon.
No reasonable person is drafting Gray expecting him to usurp either of them in 22. They're picking him in case one of those two gets injured or for dynasty purposes he plays well enough for the 9ers to justify parting with one of them. I didn't make him a priority because I'll be very surprised if Aiyuk doesn't at least see the end of his contract, but I did get a couple of cheap shares anyway.49ers WR Danny Gray caught 2-of-4 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Packers.
Gray played with the first-team offense, catching a 76-yard touchdown from Trey Lance on the second drive of the night. It's a reminder that Gray, a college producer who ran 4.3 at the Combine, is a sleeper for targets in a 49ers offense that should take more deep shots with Lance this year. Gray has the upside to unseat Brandon Aiyuk, who's been in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse the past two seasons, as the 49ers' No. 2 receiver.
Aug 13, 2022, 10:00 AM ET
Shanahan has done nothing but praise Aiyuk since mini-camp. Gray has upside, but he's not cracking the top 2 any time soon.
Agree. He will split #3 WR duties with Jennings depending on situation. Sure is nice as a 49er fan to see that kind of speed in a guy who isn't a one trick pony. He made a nice catch on the sideline too. Lance was late on the throw so he couldn't stay in bounds, but still nice concentration. Good size too at 6'2" and 200 pounds.49ers WR Danny Gray caught 2-of-4 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Packers.
Gray played with the first-team offense, catching a 76-yard touchdown from Trey Lance on the second drive of the night. It's a reminder that Gray, a college producer who ran 4.3 at the Combine, is a sleeper for targets in a 49ers offense that should take more deep shots with Lance this year. Gray has the upside to unseat Brandon Aiyuk, who's been in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse the past two seasons, as the 49ers' No. 2 receiver.
Aug 13, 2022, 10:00 AM ET
Shanahan has done nothing but praise Aiyuk since mini-camp. Gray has upside, but he's not cracking the top 2 any time soon.
I'd be surprised if Gray didn't supplant Jauan Jennings for the WR3 job in SF. He could also become a huge part of the offense if Deebo leaves after the season.
I like Gray as a mid 2nd round pick in dynasty drafts. Say 20th overall or so.
Mid 2 seems super high. Took him mid 5th in a large ppr which values WR highly. He’ll sit on the taxi squad this year.He went 3.09, 4.08, 4.12 in three 1 PPR dynasty drafts, start 1qb, and went undrafted in 3 others.I'd be surprised if Gray didn't supplant Jauan Jennings for the WR3 job in SF. He could also become a huge part of the offense if Deebo leaves after the season.
I like Gray as a mid 2nd round pick in dynasty drafts. Say 20th overall or so.
In retrospect I agree. Mid-2nd is too high. I've seen him go undrafted in dynasty rookie drafts, but a 4th round pick is about right.I'd be surprised if Gray didn't supplant Jauan Jennings for the WR3 job in SF. He could also become a huge part of the offense if Deebo leaves after the season.
I like Gray as a mid 2nd round pick in dynasty drafts. Say 20th overall or so.
Mid 2 seems super high. Took him mid 5th in a large ppr which values WR highly. He’ll sit on the taxi squad this year.He went 3.09, 4.08, 4.12 in three 1 PPR dynasty drafts, start 1qb, and went undrafted in 3 others.I'd be surprised if Gray didn't supplant Jauan Jennings for the WR3 job in SF. He could also become a huge part of the offense if Deebo leaves after the season.
I like Gray as a mid 2nd round pick in dynasty drafts. Say 20th overall or so.
49ers WR Danny Gray (hip) was removed from the Week 5 injury report.
Gray will return this week after sitting out the last two games. The 49ers have slowplayed Gray, who didn't play Week 1, using him on 10% of snaps in the two games he was active. 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (ankle) was also taken off the injury report ahead of Sunday's game with the Panthers.
Oct 8, 2022, 10:45 AM ET
I am as well, not with Jimmy G at the helm however.I’m interested
Probably better with him than Lance if he was healthy. Long term I still believe in Lance, but not as much now.I am as well, not with Jimmy G at the helm however.I’m interested
Niners Nation
Danny Gray has a right SC joint sprain. “It’s a bad injury. Still not great news. Better than a break."
Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers don't know about Gray's timeline to return, "but it doesn't sound like he'll be ready by the beginning of the year."