Each year, we run a series of post called "90-in-90" here at Niners Nation. The idea is that we'll take a look at every single player on the roster, from the very bottom to the top and break them down a few different ways. This is to help give everyone a basic understanding of a roster. Of course, this roster will change, and some days we'll have more than one so it's not strictly one per day but you get the idea.
The San Francisco 49ers were fairly quiet this year with regard to wide receivers. The team drafted Aaron Burbridge, and signed UDFAs Devon Cajuste and Bryce Treggs. This comes a year from the team signing free agents Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson, drafting DeAndre Smelter, and signing DeAndrew White, DiAndre Campbell, and Dres Anderson. The team likely views some of their 2015 additions as guys who will be able to help build their depth in 2016.
The 49ers signed DiAndre Campbell to a free agent contract shortly after the 2015 NFL Draft. He worked his way through training camp before being a part of final roster cuts. He spent the season on the practice squad, and then signed a reserve/future contract at the close of the 2015 season.
There are not many scouting reports on the former Washington Huskie. A year ago, Matt Barrows described him as having good size and athleticism. He ran a 4.53 40 at his Pro Day, and had a 37 1/2" vertical leap. He stands 6'2, and weighs 206 pounds. As a senior in 2014, he had 24 receptions for 231 yards and a touchdown. He dealt with nagging injuries in 2013, and relegated to primarily special teams.
Since we are a year removed from Campbell's addition to the roster, here is a rundown of his college and high school career, courtesy of the 49ers PR department.
Appeared in 52 career games as a member of the Huskies and registered 45 receptions for 440 yards and 3 TDs. In 2014, played in 14 games (12 starts) and notched a career-high 24 receptions for 231 yards and 1 TD. As a junior, played in all 13 games and recorded 3 recepts. for 34 yds. In 2012, appeared in 13 games and recorded 16 recepts. for 167 yds. and 2 TDs. As a freshman, played in 13 games, mainly on special teams. Redshirted in 2010. Earned honorable mention Academic All-Pac-12 honors in back to back years at Washington (2012-13). Earned All-Oakland Athletic League first-team honors at Oakland Tech (CA) HS. Led the Oakland Athletic League in receiving with 28 recepts. for 490 yds. and 10 TDs, as a senior. Played on the East Bay All-Star team in the Holiday Classic All-Star game in Sacramento. Also lettered in track & field and basketball. Born 12/19/91 in Oakland, CA.
Contract status
He is entering year two of a three-year contract. He will earn a base salary of $450,000 if he makes the team.
What to expect in 2016
The 49ers have some fairly significant opportunities at the wide receiver position. Anquan Boldin's departure means there is one starting role open. Quinton Patton has not exactly lit it up in his opportunities and could potentially be on the roster bubble. That opens the door for Campbell and the many other receivers. My expectation is at best another season on the practice squad, but he has the kind of size that Chip Kelly likes. If he were to make the 53-man roster, he could find himself with some opportunities in this kind of prolific offense.
Odds of making the roster
I would say not particularly great. This is mostly just speculation at this point. We'll see a lot more once this team gets on the field in the preseason. But with the players currently on the roster, some intriguing talent is going to get squeezed out. My projection would be practice squad for Campbell.