The 49ers’ receiving corps is perhaps the most unpredictable group of players on the 90-man roster. There’s a clear-cut top three, then the nine spots after that are all in competition for the final handful of roster spots. Our look at the 49ers’ 90-man roster and projected depth chart continues with that receiving corps, which is full of potential and huge question marks.
Wide receiver is a spot where position on the depth chart matters less than just making the team and carving out a role. There’s a hierarchy, but the fifth receiver could have a real role in a way a fifth linebacker or safety does not.
Here’s an early guess at what the wide receiver depth chart looks like going into camp:
1. Deebo Samuel
The second half of Samuel’s rookie year gave a glimpse into what he offers as both a runner and a pass catcher. He was fourth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage over the final eight weeks, and his 16-game pace in that stretch would’ve put him second in the NFL for the 2019 season. His receiving numbers may never be astronomical, but his overall impact makes him the sure No. 1 receiver on the 49ers’ roster.
2. Kendrick Bourne
Bourne has been remarkably consistent during his three seasons, and really shined as a go-to pass catcher for Jimmy Garoppolo in crucial situations. While his numbers the last two years aren’t huge – 72 catches, 845 yards and 9 touchdowns – 53 of his 72 catches have either gone for a first down or a touchdown. His penchant for moving the chains and scoring touchdowns makes him one of the most valuable receivers the 49ers have. His career-high in targets is 66, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him eclipse that this year.
3. Brandon Aiyuk
It’ll be interesting to see how Aiyuk handles the transition from college to the pros in a year where the offseason program has been limited to online video conferencing. He’s versatile and explosive enough that he should see some touches on jet sweeps and screens right away, but it may take him a little longer to learn the offense and get into a full workload. That could limit his snaps early on, but Aiyuk should be a factor late in the year and into the postseason if San Francisco makes it back.
4. Trent Taylor
Offseason back surgery slowed Taylor in 2018, then a foot injury kept him out for all of the 2019 season. Prior to his injury last year he was arguably the team’s best receiver in camp. He has a good rapport with Garoppolo, is extremely tough, and works well in limited space. Having a safety blanket like Taylor working the middle of the field should make Garoppolo’s life a lot easier. If he’s healthy, Taylor could be one of the most targeted receivers on the club.
5. Richie James Jr.
James is one of the most intriguing players on the 49ers’ roster. The 2018 seventh-round pick hasn’t been able to carve out a significant role as a receiver, but he’s been productive when he does get looks in the passing game. He’s turned just 24 targets into 15 catches, 295 yards and two touchdowns. The explosiveness to average 19.7 yards per reception hasn’t turned into regular playing time for James though, which is a bit concerning when looking at his status moving into the third year of his career. He’s done a fine job as a returner, but roster spots at receiver aren’t going to be easy to come by. He’ll need to prove more consistent as a pass catcher to ensure he lands on the final roster.
6. Jalen Hurd
There’s a world where Hurd settles into a multi-positional role on the 49ers’ offense and has a real impact on how the team can manipulate defenses and create mismatches. He appeared to be on his way to that before a preseason back injury lingered all year and forced him to miss his rookie season. The running-back-turned-receiver has a ton of upside as a pass catcher, runner and blocker. If he performs well in a receiver/running back/tight end hybrid role, it’ll add another layer to the ‘position-less’ offense head coach Kyle Shanahan is building. On the other hand, he could quickly lose his spot if injuries become an issue or he’s unable to fill that multi-purpose role since he’s probably not versatile enough as a receiver yet to earn real playing time.
7. Travis Benjamin
There was a three-year stretch from 2015-17 where Benjamin was a very productive player. In that span, he caught 149 of 262 targets for 2,210 yards and 13 touchdowns. Injuries have kept him from regaining that form though, and his last two seasons have produced just 18 catches, 216 yards and one touchdown in 17 games. He could conceivably fill the field-stretching role previously occupied by Marquise Goodwin, and his prior experience in Shanahan’s offense should help him in a truncated offseason. Benjamin will need to both stay healthy and offer more than just a vertical field-stretching threat to earn a roster spot.
8. Dante Pettis
No player in the 49ers receiving corps has a steeper hill to climb than Pettis. He entered 2019 as the potential No. 1 receiver. He finished the year on the bench and was inactive for the Super Bowl. Pettis showed during a late-season stretch in his rookie year that he’s a capable NFL receiver. He finished his first season with 27 catches, 467 yards and five touchdowns. Last year he went for just 109 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions. This is a make-or-break offseason for Pettis. He has a real role in the offense if he plays well, and he could find himself looking for another team if he doesn’t. Going into camp he’ll be on the outside looking in.
9. Jauan Jennings
The 49ers selected Jennings out of Tennessee with their final pick in the 2020 draft. His lack of speed could wind up costing him an NFL job, but it’s also easy to see where he’d fit with the 49ers. Jennings is very physical and uses his frame to shield defenders and win contested catches. He’s also one of the most difficult players to tackle in the entire draft class. Pro Football Focus had him down for a broken tackle on 51 percent of his catches – the highest mark in a very talented wide receiver class. He’s also a very willing and capable blocker. The physical limitations are going to be tough to overcome, but the path for him rising up the depth chart is pretty clear.
10. Chris Finke
Veterans like James and Taylor are the two biggest barriers for Finke to overcome if he’s going to be more than a practice squad player for the 49ers in Year 1. He’s just 5-9, 186 pounds which likely limits him to work in the slot. Finke also had success as a punt returner in college which could earn him some additional looks from the coaching staff. It’s difficult to see the undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame climbing high enough to win a roster spot right away.
11. Shawn Poindexter
An ACL tear wasn’t what kept Poindexter from making the team last year, but it likely kept him from getting to make an impression on the practice squad. He’s a huge target at 6-5, 213 pounds with enough athleticism to get vertical and stress the defense over the top. The former volleyball player is also exceptional in jump-ball situations. His lack of experience limits him to using his size and athleticism to his advantage though, which isn’t usually enough to win a job. A healthy year on the practice squad could make Poindexter an intriguing player to watch beyond 2020.
12. Chris Thompson
Thompson had multiple stints with the 49ers last year and never cracked the active roster. His only NFL action came with the Texans in 2017 as an undrafted rookie. He caught five balls for 84 yards, returned six punts and 17 kickoffs. Unless there’s an unforeseen breakout from Thompson in camp, he’ll stay near the bottom of the depth chart.
