49ers: Way-Too-Early Look at San Francisco's 2017 Starting Lineup

San Francisco 49ers: A Way-Too-Early Prediction of the 2017 Starting Lineup

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to snap the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) lines up during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

Torrey Smith, free agent/rookie

Bruce Ellington (slot)

The 49ers need a lot of help at wide receiver this offseason. It’s becoming clear the young crop of wideouts the Niners had entering 2016 isn’t going to cut it. And while rookie Aaron Burbridge could develop into something nice, we simply haven’t seen it. Not in the preseason. Not through Weeks 1 and 2.

Wide receiver may be one position San Francisco elects to splurge on in free agency. Again, let’s not speculate who is targeted. But the Niners may choose to make some upgrades here.

Or the 49ers land a talented rookie prospect early in the draft, maybe Round 1 or 2. Who knows?

Bruce Ellington still gets the call as San Francisco’s slot receiver. Head coach Chip Kelly would enjoy using a player with Ellington’s skill set — barring injury — so don’t expect this to change dramatically.

Next: Running Back