San Francisco 49ers: 10 Players with a Lot to Prove in 2016
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver Quinton Patton
Similar to wide receiver Bruce Ellington, wideout Quinton Patton may be on a short leash with the 49ers after failing to make a substantial impact over his first three seasons in San Francisco.
2015 was Patton’s best season yet. But that doesn’t mean his 30-catch, 394-yard and one-touchdown campaign should earn him the guarantee of a return to the roster this season.
True, Patton could end up being a solid piece to the Niner offense despite injuries and setbacks that limited him to just 10-combined games his first two years after being drafted in 2013. But we’ve already established how crowded the 49ers wide receiver position could be this offseason.
And it isn’t as if Patton has done anything to solidify a future role.
On top of that, Patton also has an uncanny knack for making some major mistakes on the field. Remember this play?
"Quinton Patton is running the wrong way!" http://t.co/X7Agl5Z6OB
— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2015
Not exactly something to provide a vote of confidence.
2016 may be the season in which San Francisco’s coaching staff determines whether or not Patton is worth keeping around. He may have a better chance than Ellington, but this shouldn’t mean he’s a guarantee either.
Next: RB Jarryd Hayne