Predicting 49ers 2016 53-Man Roster After OTAs
By Jerod Brown
Wide Receiver
Torrey Smith– Smith takes over as the head honcho in the wide receiver room now that Boldin has moved on. The San Francisco 49ers need Smith to become a leader on and off the field because there are plenty of young guys behind him that need some guidance.
DeAndre Smelter– The 49ers drafted Smelter in 2015 with an understanding that he likely wouldn’t contribute until 2016. Well, it’s 2016 and Smelter needs to become the receiver the 49ers were hoping he could be. At 6’2″ and 227 pounds, he’s a mean blocker that will catch Kelly’s eye once pads go on.
Eric Rogers– According to Santa Rosa Press Democrat 49ers Beat Reporter Grant Cohn, Eric Rogers may already be impressing. Here’s what he said about Rogers after the second OTA:
"Completely outshined the starting split end, Quinton Patton, for the second-straight practice. Rogers made a team-high six catches, including two first-down catches during a one-minute drill. He ran crossers, slants, curls, outs, ins and go routes and excelled running each of them. I predict he will beat out Patton and start at split end Week 1."
Bruce Ellington– Ellington’s ability to return punts keeps him around long enough to make a few plays on offense and convince Kelly that the team can make him a viable receiving threat. Either way, I doubt he sees the field much.
Quinton Patton– I don’t like this choice at all. The 49ers have shown a propensity to keep veterans around even if they aren’t performing. Patton gets that sort of treatment. However, if someone like Aaron Burbridge or Dres Anderson starts to stand out, I reserve the right to quickly cut Patton.
Devon Cajuste– I recently wrote that Cajuste might be a dark-horse to start. Can’t say that then not have him make the roster. Read the piece to see why I like him so much.
Starters: Smith, Smelter, Rogers in some rotation. Kelly will utilize up to four wide receivers routinely. Don’t worry so much up about defining where they line up.
Next: Tight End