Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Rookies Who Could Start Right Away in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Photo courtesy of 49ers.com.
Photo courtesy of 49ers.com. /
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November 14, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Ugo Amadi (14, left) is called for defensive pass interference against Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Cardinal 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 14, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Ugo Amadi (14, left) is called for defensive pass interference against Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Cardinal 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver/Tight End Devon Cajuste, Stanford

Collegiate Statistics

At 6’4″ and 227, former Stanford wide receiver Devon Cajuste may be better suited to line up as tight end at the pro level.

And it isn’t as if the 49ers have some question marks there either. While Garrett Celek figures to be the best option at this position, a player like Cajuste might be able to challenge the established veteran for a starting option, although Cajuste’s blocking techniques may not be quite on par.

Cajuste’s hands may be the most important thing in his skill set — attributes which may go a long way in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense.

".@49ers added a WR who can run, w/ big target radius & big heart. Check out @devoncajuste. #StanfordNFL #NinerEmpirehttps://t.co/VcpALK7fl7 — Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) May 2, 2016"

And another example can be seen here, courtesy of Niner Noise’s Rob Lowder:

What makes Cajuste an interesting start-candidate player is the 49ers don’t exactly have bona fide options at either wide receiver or tight end. As noted previously, Celek may be the favorite. But, maybe, Cajuste is a dark-horse candidate.

And aside from veteran wideout Torrey Smith, no one has really established himself as a legitimate No. 2 receiving option.

Maybe Cajuste gets the nod.

Next: WR Aaron Burbridge