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Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Amid Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) rushes for a 1 yard touchdown during the final minute of the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) rushes for a 1 yard touchdown during the final minute of the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 and Slot Wide Receiver

V1.0 Assessment:

Starter: Bruce Ellington

Backup: Aaron Burbridge

V2.0 Assessment:

Starter: Bruce Ellington

Backup: Quinton Patton

As stated on the previous slide, wide receiver Quinton Patton appears to be making strides in training camp. And while veteran wideout Jerome Simpson has also turned heads, the 49ers are much more likely to go with someone they view as a long-term option.

Patton, to an extent, has that. Simpson does not. He’s 30 years old anyway.

The big factor to watch here will be third-year pro receiver Bruce Ellington. Earlier this offseason, one might have speculated Ellington wouldn’t be favored by head coach Chip Kelly, who has a history of utilizing big-bodied receivers.

At 5-foot-9, Ellington didn’t fit that mold. And yet Kelly might be able to turn Ellington into a Darren Sproles-type player.

This means he’ll see time in both the slot and as San Francisco’s No. 2 wideout.

Rookie receiver Aaron Burbridge, who hasn’t been much of a factor in camp, will be fighting for a roster spot and possibly not even contending for a starting job.

Next: Running Back