San Francisco 49ers: 5 Veterans Who May Be on the Roster Bubble in 2016
By Jerod Brown
Quinton Patton-Wide Receiver
Some will say that this move hasn’t come soon enough. Others will say that Patton hasn’t ever had a legitimate shot to compete for playing time. Regardless, Patton is firmly on the bubble and will have to impress in training camp if he hopes to stick around.
Patton has worn out all of his opportunities. If he fails to produce in preseason, it’s easy to see him being passed over for the younger players on this roster.
Canadian Football League-convert Eric Rogers offers the size that Chip Kelly loves in a receiver. He might already be ahead of Patton on the roster. Torrey Smith is comfortably the number one receiver. That’s not good. But it’s the truth.
Bruce Ellington is entering his third year and has a coach highly-invested in physical preparation and wellness. Ellington may benefit from Kelly’s rigid nutrition and conditioning expectations. DeAndre Smelter hasn’t had a chance to play but people are excited about his size and potential.
Kelly carried six receivers on his roster in Philadelphia. That means Patton is likely fighting for one of the bottom two roles. Receivers like DeAndrew White, Dres Anderson and Aaron Burbridge will push Patton for those spots.
That singular play is an excellent representation of Patton’s career with the 49ers. He is talented. But for every play he makes, he does something bone-headed. Sure, sitting on a dude you just beat for 30 yards is no big deal. Except that Patton isn’t exactly a star receiver. Make the play and get back to the huddle.
Quite simply, Patton appears more invested in his antics and showmanship than producing on a weekly basis.
Patton will have to make it clear he is worth another year of work. For every flashy play he makes, he follows it up with a penalty flag or two. The 49ers need the flags to stop and Patton to make a commitment to earning a spot. He’s on the tail end of the depth chart as of now.
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