San Francisco 49ers: 10 Bold Predictions for the 2016 Season
By Peter Panacy
No. 9: 49ers Release Wide Receiver Bruce Ellington
OK, so let’s get into some more speculative predictions here.
The 49ers have plenty of wide receiver questions entering 2016. Aside from No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith, the Niners don’t exactly have proven playmakers at this position.
Tack on head coach Chip Kelly’s preference for big-bodied receivers — as noted by Eric Branch of SFGate.com — and there may not be a fit for 5’9″ wideout Bruce Ellington.
Kelly later noted he was intrigued by Ellington’s skill set. But the 2014 draftee of the 49ers hasn’t exactly contributed in a major way to suggest he’ll be safe from a roster cut either before the regular season or some point therein.
To date, Ellington has posted a mere 19 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns — not exactly the numbers to ensure he’ll be sticking around.
Niner Noise staff writer Jerod Brown also pointed out another reason why Ellington’s tenure may be in danger. Citing a source, Brown noted the 49ers’ recent displeasure with players coming out of the University of South Carolina. Ellington is one of these guys, so it’s feasible to see the Niners looking elsewhere.
And with the recent draft addition of rookie wideout Aaron Burbridge, along with the pending debut of 2015 draftee DeAndre Smelter, Ellington could wind up being the odd man out.
Next: Aaron Burbridge Earns the No. 2 WR Job