San Francisco 49ers: 10 Roster-Bubble Players to Watch in Training Camp
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Wide Receiver Dres Anderson
One of the numerous wide receiver candidates who could make big strides this training camp is second-year pro, and fellow UDFA standout, Dres Anderson.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound wide receiver may be a bit lanky and lacking strength to go up against bigger-bodied defensive backs at the pro level, but there’s an element of explosiveness there, which put Anderson into the discussion of being a fourth-round pick on many draft boards just over a year ago.
Anderson spent last season waiting on the sidelines, but the various questions at the position could mean he’s in line for a major role this season.
NinersWire.com’s Rob Lowder had the following to say about Anderson’s chances:
"Outside of [Torrey] Smith, Anderson represents a deep threat unique to the rest of the receivers. The 49ers could use another option to stretch the field to create space for the Kelly’s zone-read running game."
This is where Anderson fits in. Speed is a major factor of head coach Chip Kelly’s passing game, and receivers are asked to take the top off defenses. Breaking away on long routes means they’ll be open. If not, shorter routes may be available underneath.
Anderson proved he could do this at Utah, so perhaps training camp will be an indication he can do so regularly at the NFL level.
Next: No. 1: Quarterback Jeff Driskel