Coby Fleener's Stock on the Rise After Sub-4.5 Forty-Yard Dash

Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, may not have to deal with the temptation of drafting his former tight end, Coby Fleener, after all. The 49ers are slotted with the 30th overall selection in the upcoming NFL draft and have expressed interest in the Stanford product.

Fleener's performance at today's Pro Day in Palo Alto, though, may have him gone well before then.  

The tight end has been jaw-dropping throughout the afternoon. Fleener skipped out on running at this year's scouting combine after suffering a sprained ankle, but made the wait well worth it for scouts in attendance with an "unofficial" 4.45 forty-yard dash, according to Stanford football's Twitter account. He then matched it with a 4.5 against the wind.  

The sheer athleticism to go along with an impressive frame (6'6", 247 pounds) erased any doubts and solidified Fleener's status as a first-round pick and top tight end in the draft. To put it in perspective, Rob Grownkowski ran a 4.65 with the wind and 4.73 against it at Arizona's Pro Day in 2010. 

Best of all, Fleener looks equally lethal in pads and a helmet. He hauled in 34 receptions for 667 yards and 10 touchdowns as an integral member of Stanford's balanced offense. Game film reveals a polished route-runner with great hands and tremendous leaping ability.

Whoever lands the talented Fleener will get a big red zone target and touchdown machine.

Coach Harbaugh now just wishes he even had a chance.

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