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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Players Who May Be on the Roster Bubble After NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) returns an interception for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver Bruce Ellington

Just as is the case with wide receiver Jerome Simpson, fellow wideout Bruce Ellington may be on the roster bubble.

Head coach Chip Kelly has made his case for big-bodied receiving targets — the emphasis of “big people beat up little people” analogy has been heard before. Ellington, at 5’9″ doesn’t exactly fit the mold.

Kelly has mentioned his interest in Ellington’s abilities, but who knows if that’s a “smoke and mirrors” approach as opposed to just accepting whoever is on the Niners roster.

Niner Noise’s staff writer Jerod Brown put together another interesting argument, which has a direct effect on Ellington’s potential future with the team. Citing a source, Brown noted the 49ers were planning to avoid South Carolina players in the recent NFL Draft due to the lack of impact by players drafted out of the program there.

He wrote:

"With the team already scratching South Carolina draftees off of their lists, it’s important to wonder why they might be feeling so disappointed by the production of the players they’ve had. There is no other fair and honest method of evaluation than assessing who on the team has failed to produce. South Carolina players seem to be bringing more baggage and failed expectations along with them when drafted. For 49ers’ receiver Bruce Ellington, those failed expectations may be enough to see his time with the 49ers end this summer."

Ellington’s pro career has been hindered by injuries and up-and-down production — elements which do not bode well for his future tenure.

Yes, the Niners don’t have proven depth at this position. And Ellington may be a factor in Kelly’s offense, but it’s entirely possible the 49ers go a different direction.

Next: LB Corey Lemonier