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San Francisco 49ers: Breaking Down Strongest, Weakest Positions in 2016

By Jerod Brown

Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) runs after a catch as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mike Moore (32) pursues in their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) runs after a catch as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mike Moore (32) pursues in their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

The wide receiver position looks an awful lot like the cornerbacks. Sure, there are plenty of players that we’ll recognize. But expecting anything in particular is difficult, if not impossible.

Torrey Smith is not a number one receiver. He is an excellent complimentary receiver with a very specific skill set that has helped him become a very good receiver. When your offense is designed to feature Torrey Smith, you’re not maximizing his talent and value.

Behind Smith it’s a bunch of names with almost nothing to count on. DeAndre Smelter will finally be able to play and he offers some hope. He certainly has the ideal size for a featured receiver in Kelly’s offense. Eric Rogers is converting from the Canadian Football League and might be able to earn a spot given the weak competition.

The 49ers selected Michigan State receiver Aaron Burbridge in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and he’ll compete with Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington, DeAndrew White, Jerome Simpson and Dres Anderson for two or three spots on the depth chart.

Lots of names. So little production. The 49ers will have a busy summer trying to differentiate between players that offer some hope and players that are simply treading water. Fortunately, they found a versatile weapon in the undrafted free-agent class with Stanford receiver Devon Cajuste.

Cajuste may not be a true receiver and he may be undersized for tight end, but he is a moveable piece that should find a way to crack this roster. He routinely finds a way to get open outside of the hashes.

Cajuste may start low on the depth chart, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him end 2016 with over 500 yards receiving. He’s a potential strength in an otherwise weak positional group at wide receiver.

Next: Largest Team Weakness