Mel Kiper 2012 NFL Mock Draft: San Francisco 49ers Get LSU WR Rueben Randle

In his second mock draft of the 2012 NFL draft season, ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has the San Francisco 49ers taking LSU receiver Rueben Randle with the 30th overall pick in the first round.

A vast majority of mock drafts have the 49ers taking a first-round receiver, but there aren't many that will pit San Francisco with Randle. That's mostly because Randle hasn't been considered a first-round talent by most, but Kiper obviously feels differently.

Here's what he had to say on the pick:

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Randle could be a steal. This is a guy who, in a more dynamic passing offense, could have been far more productive. Obviously, the combine will tell us a lot, but Randle could be preferred over Alshon Jeffery of South Carolina, because he has the length, but will be a lot quicker into and out of his breaks because he's got a leaner frame. He's better suited to beat opposing defenses over the top. The Niners need a big target in the passing game outside of Vernon Davis, and Randle could be that guy.

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The 49ers' need for a receiver is well-documented by now. In the NFC Championship Game loss to the New York Giants, Alex Smith completed just a single pass to a receiver for three yards. That kind of production isn't acceptable, no matter how tough the Giants pass rush was.

Adding a player like Randle makes a lot of sense from a 49ers' standpoint.

The Braylon Edwards experience went up in flames before it ever really got off the ground. As a result, the depth behind former first-round pick Michael Crabtree was limited.

Picking up another impact receiver to team with Crabtree could further help the 49ers' progression in the passing game, which certainly took some strides in year one under Jim Harbaugh.

Randle, an underrated player at the receiver position, would still be an interesting selection over the likes of Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina) and Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers) in the first round.  

While Rande's senior-year numbers at LSU weren't gaudy (53 receptions, 917 yards, eight touchdowns), a lot of lacking production had to do with the sporadic play at quarterback. And overall, college production is typically one of the more overrated aspects of judging a prospect.

There aren't many outlets who see Randle as a first-round player, however.  

National Football Post ranked Randle as its 10th best receiver prospect.

They also had this to say:

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Possesses that sneaky strider speed down the field and has some savvy to his game. However, lacks great burst out of his breaks and isn't going to be effective running sharply breaking routes. Looks like a potential NFL starter only.

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As this draft process wears on, it'll be interesting to see which receivers emerge as leading candidates connected with the 49ers.  

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