The San Francisco 49ers have been looking for offensive help to get Colin Kaepernick off to a better start in 2015. The team made the first move by signing Torrey Smith in free agency after his successful tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, but they are not stopping there. San Francisco is currently eyeing several top wide receiver prospects in the NFL Draft, but do not expect the team to trade up this season to get hone.
Reports surfaced from Bleacher Report that the 49ers were considering trading up in order to acquire Amari Cooper who ESPN's Todd McShay referred to as the top receiver in this year's draft class even over Kevin White. San Francisco makes their first draft pick at No. 15 and in order to get Cooper, they could have to deal all the way up to No. 4 and buypass the Oakland Raiders who also need a receiver. Because of that distance in between picks, general manager Trent Baalke is denying Cooper as an option.
Baalke has been linked to wide receiver trades in the past. Last season Examiner.com reported the franchise was interested in moving up for Odell Beckham Jr and optioned not to. It would have cost the 49ers a first, second and third round draft pick to do. The same could be said this year since they might have go as high as No. 4 with the Raiders or No. 7 with Chicago. According to CSN Bay Area, Baalke is simply unwilling to sell the draft for one player, uninterested in move similar to what the Washington Redskins did for Robert Griffin III.
Instead, the 49ers could eye other options. At their original draft spot, players like DeVante Parker, Jaelen Strong and potentially White will all be available. The 49ers could also look to the free agency market for help. Ballke told the team website that the door is open for Michael Crabtree to return, but contract demands might hurt that effort. According to the Miami Herald, Crabtree is demanding a contract worth upwards of $4 million. In his visit with the Dolphins, the team only offered $3.5 million and that was not enough. Players like Hakeem Nicks, Greg Jennings and Reggie Wayne are also available.