Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Torrey Smith 49ers
Nov 29, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a player injury against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 Wide Receiver

Starter: Torrey Smith

Backup: Eric Rogers

San Francisco will employ veteran wideout Torrey Smith as its featured wide receiver in 2016.

Smith is coming off a career-low 2015 season, but it’s safe to say the 49ers offensive coaching staff didn’t properly utilize him a year ago. Under head coach Chip Kelly, Smith’s numbers should improve quite a bit.

The 49ers’ primary downfield threat will need some help though. We won’t go deeply into scheme or anything, but the Niners running game, pass protection and a slew of other factors will have to ensure Smith’s impact can be felt.

An intriguing option for San Francisco’s aerial attack is former CFL wideout Eric Rogers, whom the 49ers picked up this offseason.

Rogers, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound target, has the size a coach like Kelly covets. Whether or not Rogers can translate his CFL success over the NFL is yet to be determined. But early results appear to be good so far.

Next: No. 2, Slot Wide Receiver