The San Francisco 49ers added three wide receivers in free agency, following their decision to re-sign Jeremy Kerley, and release Torrey Smith. Marquise Goodwin joins Pierre Garcon and Aldrick Robinson in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Garcon and Robinson both have experience with Shanahan and his offensive scheme, while Goodwin is new to it. Prior to joining the 49ers, Goodwin spent his first four seasons with the Buffalo Bills. They selected him out of Texas with the 78th pick in the 2013 NFL draft. He is a talented track and field athlete, so much so that he made the 2012 US Olympic team in the long jump.
Goodwin has had trouble staying healthy since being drafted. In 2014, he suffered through a concussion, ankle, rib, and hamstring injuries. He missed five games in 2015 with broken ribs before having a career year in 2016 with 29 catches for 431 yards and three TDs, despite suffering 2 concussions.
He made some noise last year being a deep threat, especially after burning Darrelle Revis in Week 2 for an 84-yard TD.
His speed is the primary skill he has to offer. He is not a big receiver at 5’9 180lbs, but he holds the third fastest time in the 40 yard dash at the NFL combine, running a 4.27. He also posted a 42 inch vertical and 6.66s 3-cone drill at the combine. For comparison, this year’s bests for receivers were a 43-inch vertical, and 6.57 second 3-cone drill.
He’s not been credited with the greatest hands, and it is a little concerning that the Bills didn’t make much of an effort to resign him; not that I think he earned a $4 million a year contract from them. But, there were not many rumors about it, and they are currently down to three wide receivers on their roster for 2017.
He could make for an interesting piece in Kyle Shanahan’s offense playing in a Taylor Gabriel type role. He did return kickoffs for the Bills until last year so he may end up competing on special teams as well.
You can check out his website at www.theflashgoodwin.com.