Derrick Deese Jr. is the son of former 49ers offensive lineman Derrick Deese and started his college career at juco level. Playing at Golden West College (community college) for one year, he posted 37 receptions for 658 yards and 8 touchdowns. He then transferred to San Jose State University and redshirted in 2018. The next two seasons he would put up modest numbers, pulling in 29 receptions and 419 yards.
In his 2021 season (2nd year as redshirt senior), he broke out with 50 or more yards in 6 of the 12 games he played. On the season, he caught 47 passes for 730 yards. Without testing at the Combine and having a 5th round draft projection, leave him on the waiver wire after your rookie draft.
Derrick Deese was a UDFA signed by the Detroit Lions following the 2022 NFL Draft. On the Lions, he won’t get close to playing as long as Hockenson exists on this Earth. Even if he did manage to get close to the line of scrimmage, he’s so unathletic that he’d get benched.
