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San Francisco 49ers: Prioritizing Each Position on Roster Before the 2016 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) and wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) react before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson (36) and wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) react before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

Players on Roster: Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington, DeAndre Smelter, DiAndre Campbell, Eric Rogers, Jerome Simpson, DeAndrew White, Dres Anderson

Aside from wide receiver Torrey Smith, the 49ers don’t have an established No. 2 receiver to complement Smith’s abilities on the other side of the formation.

Wideouts Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington could fill this void, yet neither has truly solidified himself as a legitimate receiving option. Both have been inconsistent at best, and there’s even a worthy argument Ellington doesn’t make the roster in 2016.

There are two wild cards in the mix here. Will the 49ers bring back veteran free-agent receiver Anquan Boldin, who turns 36 years old in October? It’s possible, but doesn’t necessarily jell with the Niners’ youth movement.

And the other thought is second-year pro DeAndre Smelter, whom the 49ers redshirted last season, could emerge as a budding talent after San Francisco took him in Round 4 of the NFL draft a year ago.

But those are more what-if scenarios rather than established, confident options.

Granted, head coach Chip Kelly will likely utilize his receiving weapons to a greater extent compared to what was seen under former offensive coordinator Geep Chryst last year. Yet there are still plenty of question marks, which make this position of considerable need in the draft.

Unfortunately, general manager Trent Baalke doesn’t exactly have the best track record with selecting wide receivers early in the draft (see former first-round bust A.J. Jenkins).

Priority 2

Next: Tight End