Report: Marcell Ateman Drawing Interest from San Franciso 49ers

Former Oklahoma State wide receiver Marcell Ateman has caught the eye of the San Francisco 49ers according to a report by draft insider Tony Pauline.

Here’s what he had to say.

One receiver who will make a big jump up draft boards with a good combine workout is Marcell Ateman of Oklahoma State. Coming off a career campaign, Ateman grades as a third-round selection on our board but could rise into the draft’s initial 45 picks with good testing results in Indianapolis. What exactly does “good” mean?

We’re talking a 40-yard dash under 4.45 — he was estimated with a 4.6 40 by scouts entering the season — and a vertical jump over 40 inches. I’m told he can hit 42 inches.

Ateman has been working with former Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson on his speed and 40 starts in Dallas. Johnson has been praising Ateman’s work ethic to teams he’s spoken with. I’m told the receiver-needy San Francisco 49ers are one of several teams high on Ateman. [DraftAnalyst.com]

It’s easy to see why Ateman would be an intriguing prospect, especially for teams in need of an outside, jump-ball weapon.

Ateman recently talked about his prep for the NFL Combine that starts next week in Indianapolis.

Former #OKState receiver Marcell Ateman continues to prepare for #NFL Combine. Training with former gold medalist Michael Johnson. Courtesy KTVT. pic.twitter.com/5Zklv4HhC6

— Scott Pfeil (@scottpfeil) February 16, 2018

San Francisco just finished Year 1 of the partnership between first-time general manager John Lynch and first-time head coach Kyle Shanahan. Both are looking to add playmaking targets for newly inked QB, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Ateman just might fit the bill of a massive red-zone target for their new franchise QB.

Wherever Ateman ends up, it will be certainly interesting to see how his game translates to the next level.