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Even though Boldin is signed, 49ers still need a deep threat

Odell Beckham
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The 49ers re-signed Anquan Boldin to a two-year, $12 million contract on Monday afternoon which solidifies who the starting WRs are. However, the team will need to take a wide receiver in the upcoming draft who can project to be a deep threat for the team.

Both Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin are not fit for any vertical passing game as they mostly excel in yards after catch. Last season, the 49ers lacked a target at the wide receiver position who could stretch the field. Vernon Davis was the only notable 49er to catch a touchdown pass of 40 yards or more as Colin Kaepernick attacked the end zone against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15.

The only other guaranteed receiver on this team is Quinton Patton, who has received a limited time after initially fracturing his foot in Week 4. He had one promising catch against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 to setup the game winning field goal.

This is one of the deepest drafts at the WR position, according to Mike Mayock. There can be as many as eight receivers taken in the first round alone.

While the odds of a Julio Jones type of trade-up for Sammy Watkins into the top 10 is unlikely, there are still several wide receivers who can be a deep for the 49ers. Here are some receivers for the 49ers to keep an eye on post-NFL Combine:

1. Odell Beckham (LSU) 6-0, 193 pounds

Beckham was one of the receivers to up his stock during the combine. From initially being projected as a late-first to early-second round pick, he could work his way into the middle of the opening night of the draft. He had a 4.43 40-yard dash, which would be reasonable for the 49ers to ease him in for three or four wide receiver sets.

2. Donte Moncrief (Ole Miss) 6-3, 219 pounds

Moncrief is billed as one of the more physical wide receivers, but he had an impressive combine with a 4.4 40-yard dash. For a wide receiver who has size combined with speed, he could make an instant impact for the 49ers right away. The only concern would be his route running skills, but he can work his way into the lineup long term as a potential No.1 receiver. Like Beckham, Moncrief can be a mid-first round pick.

3. Brandin Cooks (Oregon State) 5-10, 186 pounds

If the 49ers want a slot receiver, Cooks would be the perfect fit as he increased his stock at the combine showing his blazing speed. He officially clocked a 4.33 40-yard dash and shined in both the cone and shuttle drills. Cooks could also be a special teams contributor in kickoff and punt returns if needed, which Trent Baalke enjoys versatile players. He was already projected as a first-round pick prior to the combine and he solidified himself as someone the 49ers would need to trade up for.

4. Jordan Matthews (Vanderbilt) 6-3, 206 pounds

Matthews upped his stock at the combine with a 4.46 40-yard dash while showing he can be an explosive receiver. He has the size to also be a threat in the vertical passing game. Matthews projects to be a first round pick, but could fall to the second-round if others are taken in front of him.

5. Jarvis Landry (LSU) 6-1, 195 pounds

Landry's stock took a hit during the combine with a low 4.7 40-yard dash, but this could be an option if the 49ers choose to take another position in the first round. Landry could fall to the second-round where the 49ers could trade up for him if needed. He is one of the most physical receivers who can fight for the ball with his athleticism.