49ers had virtual pre-draft visit with big, athletic WR who is flying under the radar

The San Francisco 49ers need to find a some wide receiver depth in this year’s NFL draft, and they may be looking to do so either late on Day 3 or in the undrafted free agent pool.

They had a virtual pre-draft visit with Duke wide receiver Eli Pancol according to the Draft Network’s Justin Melo. Pancol is not projected to be drafted, but there are some physical traits that make him intriguing as either a UDFA or a late Day 3 flier.

Pancol’s production won’t ‘wow’ anyone. Through his first four seasons with the Blue Devils he posted only 70 receptions for 912 yards and five touchdowns in 44 games.

His 2022 season was cut short by a broken left ankle in October. Shortly after his return the following offseason, he sustained a fracture dislocation of his right ankle according to Duke’s Athletics site. That injury cost him all of the 2023 campaign.

All of that makes his 2024 season more impressive. After hauling in only 70 catches and five touchdowns in 44 games, he bounced back from his two ankle injuries last season to snag 60 catches for 798 yards and nine touchdowns.

At his Pro Day Pancol measured in at 6-2, 205 pounds. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash and a 6.88 3-cone per Melo. Given that he’s coming off two ankle injuries, the athleticism is impressive.

His lack of production and injury question marks will likely make him undraftable for most teams. A late flier on a player with his experience, size and athletic traits might make sense for San Francisco if they’re looking for a developmental project in their receiving corps.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers news: WR Eli Pancol has virtual pre-draft visit with SF