The San Francisco 49ers made a pair of transactions on Tuesday, adding two wide receivers to the depth chart. The team used the waived/injured designation on rookie wide receiver B.J. Johnson and rookie linebacker Jimmie Gilbert. They replaced them by claiming rookie wide receiver Tim Patrick off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens, and then signing veteran free agent Louis Murphy.
The two moves means the 49ers now have 13 players in their wide receivers room. The group includes:
Pierre Garçon
Marquise Goodwin
Jeremy Kerley
Aldrick Robinson
Trent Taylor
Bruce Ellington
DeAndre Carter
DeAndre Smelter
Aaron Burbridge
Victor Bolden Jr.
Kendrick Bourne
Louis Murphy
Tim Patrick
The top of the depth chart seems settled with Garçon and Goodwin. Kerley and Taylor are competing for slot work, although both seem safe to make the team. Robinson is having a solid camp thus far, which likely is due in part to his experience in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
If those five end up making the roster, that leaves eight players competing for one roster spot (and one or two spots on the practice squad spot). Murphy brings a solid veteran presence, and at 6’2, would be one of the taller receivers on the roster. Patrick stands 6’4 and ran a 4.47 40 at his Pro Day this past March. He ran mostly vertical routes and while he can deal with contested catches, his route-running is raw. He could be an intriguing practice squad bet.
Practice reports have been fairly positive about the receivers, but Bruce Ellington remains an interesting one to me. Injuries remain a big problem for him, but if he can make it through camp healthy, his versatility offers a lot of options to Kyle Shanahan’s offense. I am skeptical he will remain healthy all of training camp, but it’s something to consider.
Of the eight receivers after that potential top five, who would be your choice to make the roster?
Poll
If only one makes the 53-man roster, who will it be?
This poll is closed
-
20%
Bruce Ellington
(200 votes) -
4%
DeAndre Carter
(40 votes) -
32%
DeAndre Smelter
(310 votes) -
8%
Aaron Burbridge
(82 votes) -
9%
Victor Bolden, Jr.
(92 votes) -
7%
Kendrick Bourne
(69 votes) -
11%
Louis Murphy
(107 votes) -
7%
Tim Patrick
(68 votes)