Golden Nuggets: Up For Grabs

The position that may have given the 49ers the most problems recently is wide receiver. The team had a few stopgaps including Anquan Boldin, but no player has resolved the issue. Trent Baalke has been notoriously bad at drafting receivers. It seems unlikely that Anquan Boldin comes back due to the team looking for the youth to contribute. That leaves the team with 2 players, Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson, as the only players with more than 36 catches in the receiver corp. Most of the players don’t even have 1 catch in the NFL to their name. There will be chances for players to step up because the 49ers will need them to.

The player with the most to gain would be Bruce Ellington. He has the qualities to be a good slot receiver. His foot speed and sure hands would make him a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties. More consistent playing time should benefit Bruce and allow him to develop as a player. The last 2 season, he has been unable to find a rhythm because he has not found consistent playing time.

The only sure starter for the 49ers will be Torrey Smith. The player opposite him will win the part in training camp. Quinton Patton looks to be the likely starter, but he has not separated himself from the rest of the receivers. Regardless of who wins the QB position in training camp, the receivers will have to play well for him to have success.

49ers Links

He better be. They need help | Rookie Ready To Contribute (Williams)

Can't wait to see how he progresses | Top 25: Tartt (Biderman)

Irreplaceable | Who Replaces Anquan? (Biderman)

Hyde Reflects On Chip's 1st Offseason (Price)

Ex-Coach Joins Rams (Maiocco)

OL Starters (Biderman)

Good luck coach! | Singletary Could Coach Again (Biderman)

Will Chip Thrive? (Pelissero)

Video

Garnett Showing Ability (49ers Staff)