San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players With a Last Chance in 2016

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Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) reacts after making a catch against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Bruce Ellington-Wide Receiver

49ers receiver Bruce Ellington might be one of the most frustrating players on the team. He’s a practice in patience for every fan. Just when he feels ready for a big performance, he’s injured and left inactive for the week.

When Chip Kelly was hired as head coach, everyone immediately began speculating what role Ellington might have in the offense.

“They’ve planned it out perfect. He’s bound to take off now.”

But we’ve been saying that since he was drafted.

He’s productive in the preseason. Just look at his touchdown in Week 4 against the Chargers. He took a shallow cross and exploded for a 70 yard touchdown. Against third string competition, he’s clearly the best on the field.

In former offensive coordinator Geep Chryst’s system, Ellington was seen as a player to get the ball quickly and let his athleticism do the rest.

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That also explained his role as punt returner despite not being particularly impressive and having Australian sensation Jarryd Hayne waste on the practice squad. But I digress.

Nonetheless, someone in the 49ers thinks that Ellington is great with the ball, but they may not trust him to be much of a downfield receiver. And the 49ers’ use of Ellington in the offense became pretty unimaginative.

That deep pass was Bruce Ellington's first target all season that wasn't a WR screen, jet sweep, or quick out. Avg. target was -2.6 yards.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) November 22, 2015

There’s no doubt that he’s exceptional in the open field. But how can the 49ers expect anything when he is perpetually hampered? The 49ers need him to remain on the field if they have any plans to explore how he might fit in Kelly’s system.

Ellington is not confused about the criticism of his health. He has admitted to discussing it with former head coach Jim Tomsula. But as a professional athlete, his value is determined by his ability to be ready for games and to compete completely in those games. If he can’t, the 49ers can no longer waste a roster spot on a player that is rarely available.

What the 49ers do in the first couple rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft may tell us all that we need to know about the 49ers plans for Ellington moving forward. Either way, the upcoming season is likely his final shot to impress the front office.

Next: Way Too Early Prediction for 2016

The 49ers have seen plenty of these players. They know what they can do and, more importantly, they know what they can’t do. With only 46 players active each game, the rebuilding effort can no longer afford to waste spots on players that aren’t producing.

Whether they are slowed by injury, waiting to finishing developing or simply can’t stay mentally sharp, the team can’t keep hoping players pan out eventually. They need quality and depth up and down the roster if they plan on keeping pace with Arizona or Seattle in this division.

Unless the players mentioned show major improvement in 2016, there is a good chance they’ll be shown the door sooner rather than later.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN Statistics unless otherwise indicated.