I'm hearing that after checking out Sam Bradford in Norman, Okla. on Monday, Mike Singletary and Trent Baalke are in Lufkin, Texas today to watch Dez Bryant work out. The Oklahoma State wideout didn't participate in the February scouting combine or the school's March 10 pro day because of a hamstring injury.
The 49ers, of course, drafted a Big 12 receiver from Texas last year in the first round. What's more, Bryant is represented by the same agent, Eugene Parker, who was behind Michael Crabtree's franchise record 71-day contract impasse. Bryant also was suspended for the final 10 games of the college season for lying about his relationship with former Parker client, Deion Sanders, who was at the center of last year's Crabtree controversy.
Given that, why would the 49ers even sniff around Bryant? Because he's 6-2, 220 pounds, is considered the top receiver in this draft class and many believe he's better than Crabtree. Singletary's role this spring is delving into troubled players' pasts and trying to figure out whether they simply made mistakes or have deeper character flaws. I imagine he not only spends some quality time with Bryant today but makes phone calls to people who are most familiar with him. A year ago, Singletary put in a similar call to the high school coach of a player who was riddled with character concerns. The 49ers ended up taking that player, Crabtree, with the 10th pick.
Ok, so what were Singletary and Baalke doing in Oklahoma Monday scouting Bradford, a player that probably will be drafted first overall? First, I'm guessing this trip is as much a get-to-know-you session between Baalke and Singletary as anything else. Second, the 49ers are doing their homework on every top pick. And finally, it doesn't hurt to do some advance scouting on the guy you probably will be facing twice a year for the next decade or so.
Meanwhile, Rutgers tackle Anthony Davis -- a player who, in my opinion, is more likely to be selected by the 49ers than Bryant or Bradford -- had his make up day today in New Brunswick, N.J. I'm told that two 49ers scouts were on hand for Davis' workout.
-- Matt Barrows
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