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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Dark-Horse Candidates to Make the 53-Man Roster in 2016

By Peter Panacy

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 /
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Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndrew White (18) leaps as he runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndrew White (18) leaps as he runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 10: Wide Receiver DeAndrew White

Aside from No. 1 guy Torrey Smith, the 49ers situation at wide receiver is pretty fluid. And it’s awfully inexperienced too.

Smith and fellow veteran wideout Jerome Simpson are the only pros to have more than 40 NFL-level receptions over their respective careers. And while it’s concerning how uncertain this position is in advance of 2016, the Niners do have to receive some credit for giving young guys a chance to compete for a roster spot.

One of those is second-year pro receiver DeAndrew White.

White appeared in four games last season after signing as an undrafted free agent. He had just two catches for 18 yards but was also a contributor in the return game. As Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee pointed out, injury concerns surrounding fellow wide receiver, and current return man, Bruce Ellington could put White into a position to make some headway.

The former Alabama standout, who was overshadowed by then-teammate Amari Cooper, just cracked the roster a year ago.

He’ll probably have to do a bit more this preseason, but his one year of NFL on-field experience could go a long way in determining whether or not he sticks around.

Next: No. 9: Dres Anderson