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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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Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 and Slot Wide Receiver

Starter: Bruce Ellington

Backup: Aaron Burbridge

This is a bit of a tough one, because it’s hard to predict how the 49ers depth chart at wide receiver will fall into place behind No. 1 guy Torrey Smith.

All indications are pointing towards wide receiver Bruce Ellington getting the nod for the slot, at least according to Doug Williams of NBC Bay Area. And given the prevalence of three-wide sets in today’s NFL, it’s going to be a big role.

Still, Ellington likely holds down the No. 2 receiving job in standard formations too. Unlike previous seasons, head coach Chip Kelly should be able to maximize Ellington’s skill set and put him into a position where his positives can effectively impact San Francisco’s aerial attack.

But what would happen to the outside-receiver role when Ellington is in the slot?

It’s anyone’s guess, really. But let’s focus our attention on rookie wide receiver, and sixth-round pick, Aaron Burbridge.

Burbridge is a lot like former 49ers wideout Anquan Boldin. Neither player has great speed, but both are physical and capable of fighting for the ball in contested spaces. Burbridge was one of the main reasons why former Michigan State teammate, quarterback Connor Cook, was so highly regarded leading up to the NFL Draft.

And Burbridge has the potential to double in the slot as well, as shown in the video below:

With speedy targets like Smith and Ellington handling deeper routes, underneath patterns could go to a guy like Burbridge.

He has to win out in camp though.

Next: Running Back