In four seasons at Stanford, wide receiver Devon Cajuste was a big part of the Cardinal passing attack. Over 40 games, Cajuste was a 6-foot-4, 227-pound target with good hands and an ability to make the big catch in key situations. He had 90 receptions for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 17.4 yards per catch.
But Cajuste doesn’t have great speed and, as the NFL draft approached, he wasn’t considered a strong pro prospect.
Yet the 49ers decided to sign him as an undrafted free agent and now the ex-Stanford standout is eager to show he belongs. Cajuste, who already has signed with the 49ers, told a writer for the team’s website that the 49ers are a perfect situation for him.
“I’m completely blessed,” said Cajuste, who took part in the team’s rookie minicamp this past weekend. “I have my whole setup. I don’t have to change my church, my mentors or where I’m leaving. It’s a package deal.”
At the NFL Combine, Cajuste ran a slow time of 4.62 in the 40-yard dash. But he rebounded at Stanford’s pro day to run a 4.42, according to The Stanford Daily. That time – plus a terrific showing at the Combine in running the three-cone agility drill – showed scouts that he has more athletic upside than some expected. And, with his size and good hands, Cajuste could be a fit at wide receiver or tight end with the 49ers.
“Whatever these guys want me to play, I’ll play,” said Cajuste. “They haven’t said anything yet, but again, whatever they want.”
Cajuste at 227 pounds is lighter than the 49ers’ top tight ends – Garrett Celek, Vance McDonald, Blake Bell and Busta Anderson – but he says he’s always been a strong blocker.
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“Being able to block as a receiver, that was something I tried to make a point to the othe receivers at Stanford, that you have to take that to a huge level of importance,” Cajuste told Bay Area reporters, including Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group.
Cajuste faces long odds to make the roster, but the competition should be wide open at both wide receiver and tight end. New head coach Chip Kelly will need playmakers in his spread attack, and Cajuste had a history at Stanford of making plays. He knows he now has a great opportunity.
Tweeted Cajuste on Friday, along with a photo of Levi’s Stadium: “Write your own story. Devon Cajuste, Professional, Volume 1, Chapter 1, Page 1.”
