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49ers: 5 Players Who Should Make 53-Man Roster but Won’t

By James LeBreton

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August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson (14) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson (14) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Jerome Simpson

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson has had a tremendous training camp. After some off-the-field issues, he looks as though he’s finally ready to put his checkered past behind him and be a full-time football player. However, with the youth movement that’s taking place in the Bay Area, it may be too late.

Wide receiver Torrey Smith is the proven No. 1 option. He’s a reliable threat while on the field and the fastest when getting to the deep ball.

Wideouts Bruce Ellington and DeAndre Smelter are looking to be next in line to round out this very young and energetic core. Both have been medically cleared and are speeding toward a full-time role on the field.

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) and wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Bruce Ellington (10) and wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

In a make-or-break season, wide receiver Quinton Patton will see plenty of reps. Will he finally take over as the possible No. 2 or No. 3 option?

That’s what the 49ers hope to find out.

It appears he is finally ready to break out, only time will tell, but nonetheless he’s not going anywhere for now.

Rounding out this very young group of receivers is some undrafted talent making a case heard for the remaining spots. Wideouts DeAndrew White, DiAndre Campbell, Dres Anderson and newcomer Devon Cajuste round out what could be a dogfight of a competition. Rookie Aaron Burbridge is also turning heads, but will probably spend a year on the practice squad.

After several years of uncertainty at the wide receiver position, it looks as though the team is, at last, headed towards a younger and positive direction.

With that being said, it doesn’t look good for Simpson.

Next: Erik Pears