Niner Noise
FanSided

Final Projections for the 49ers’ 53-man Roster

By Nicholas McGee

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) poses for photographs with fans following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) poses for photographs with fans following the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) is congratulated by tight end Garrett Celek (88) for scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Levi
August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) is congratulated by tight end Garrett Celek (88) for scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Levi /

Wide Receivers

Active Roster: Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton, Jeremy Kerley, DeAndrew White, DeAndre Smelter, Dres Anderson

Cut: Aaron Burbridge, Devon Cajuste, Bryce Treggs, Ryan Whalen

One of the most disappointing aspects of the preseason is that few wide receivers were able to emerge and suggest they can contribute behind Torrey Smith.

The pressure will be on Quinton Patton to finally deliver in a contract year with Bruce Ellington on injured reserve.

Ellington’s replacement in the slot, Jeremy Kerley, did enough with two catches against San Diego to indicate he can at least do a serviceable job.

Behind that trio the cupboard is pretty bare for San Francisco, but DeAndrew White and Dres Anderson – who caught a touchdown versus the Denver Broncos and had an excellent catch in San Diego – have shone that little bit brighter than Aaron Burbridge and Devon Cajuste.

DeAndre Smelter has been conspicuous by his absence all preseason, yet Baalke may not be ready to cut ties with a receiver of his physical gifts just yet after spending a fourth-round pick on him in 2015.

Next: Tight End