What Wayne Gallman, Arden Key mean for 49ers’ draft plans
The San Francisco 49ers added depth on Wednesday by signing veteran running back Wayne Gallman defensive end Arden Key, which should have a ripple effect on how the front office approaches the 2021 NFL Draft next week.
An announcement from the team confirmed the Gallman news, while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Key is joining the 49ers, too.
Both players have intriguing backstories as they gear up to play in the Bay Area.
Gallman backed up the likes of Saquon Barkley with the New York Giants, so his best football could be ahead in San Francisco’s tailback-friendly scheme.
Once upon a time, Key had 12 sacks at LSU as a sophomore. After a fall in the NFL Draft, and a shortage of opportunities and talent around him with the Las Vegas Raiders, maybe a change of scenery is what Key needs to unlock his potential.
San Francisco 49ers draft changes positional focus
Well, everyone knows this year’s 49ers draft class will start with and be defined by whichever quarterback general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan decide on with the No. 3 overall pick.
Whether it’s Mac Jones, Justin Fields or Trey Lance, San Francisco’s incoming rookie group will always be about the signal-caller who’s brought aboard to replace Jimmy Garoppolo.
As for the rest of the draft, well, there are eight more selections at the 49ers’ disposal. They have a long wait between second- and third-round selections, with those picks being at 43rd and 102nd overall respectively.
Gallman provides a potential contender to start in the backfield or at least be a serviceable No. 2. Key is someone who could thrive as a situational pass-rusher if he’s given the chance to play with the talented Niners defensive line.
Before, you could argue someone from Gallman’s alma mater, Clemson running back Travis Etienne, could’ve been a second-round target for the 49ers. Maybe an edge defender who wasn’t expected to pop right away would’ve been the choice at No. 42 if not for Key signing.
