Can Danny Gray Find a Role on the 49ers in 2024?

Wide receiver Danny Gray has yet to carve himself out a role on the 49ers since he's been drafted. 2024 is his last chance to do so. Will it happen?

Aug 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Danny Gray (6) runs / Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

When the San Francisco 49ers drafted wide receiver Danny Gray in 2022, they were looking to finally add a vertical threat to their offense.

Gray is a speedy receiver who can take the top off of a defense. It was the only element on the 49ers' offense that they were lacking in. However, Gray hasn't managed to find the field in his two years as a pro so far. In 2022, he was active for 13 games with one reception for 10 yards.

This past season he didn't even get to play as he was nursing a shoulder injury. Considering he was a third-round draft pick, the 49ers were banking on Gray to be a role player at some point. Time is running out for Gray to become one, so can he finally find a role on the 49ers in 2024?

I doubt it. I think his time to gain a foothold is over with the 49ers. He is now an afterthought to Kyle Shanahan. During his rookie season, one issue with Gray that was revealed was he needed to be more ingrained as a blocker. He wanted the ball more, but the thing with the 49ers is if you don't block, you don't get the rock.

Not to mention that Gray was drafted because of Trey Lance. At the time, Lance was the starter going into the 2022 season. His greatest strength resided with his arm in delivering down the field. The 49ers didn't have a receiver who excelled stretching the field, so the 49ers went for Gray to compliment Lance.

Unfortunately, Gray couldn't flourish once Lance got hurt and had to play with Jimmy Garoppolo. That is when he had to start adjusting his gameplay if he wanted to see the field. Even when Brock Purdy ended up taking over, stretching the field wasn't a facet in the 49ers' offense.

But maybe in 2024 it will be. The 49ers did take quite a few chances doing so with Purdy. He doesn't have a big arm, but he does know how to time it well to ensure his wide receiver has a chance to get it. I just don't see how the 49ers will go to Gray anymore.

Rather, I see them looking to draft another one and hoping their investment pans out unlike with Gray.