Niner Noise
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2017 NFL Draft: Ranking the 49ers 5 Biggest Needs Four Weeks into Season

By Peter Panacy

Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (77) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (77) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) catches a pass defended by Dallas Cowboys defensive back Anthony Brown (30) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) catches a pass defended by Dallas Cowboys defensive back Anthony Brown (30) during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Wide Receiver

General manager Trent Baalke has avoided taking a wide receiver early in the draft every year since his 2012 gaffe of A.J. Jenkins.

And it’s hurting. Significantly.

August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith is not exactly the right fit in head coach Chip Kelly’s uptempo scheme, which focuses more on quick releases from the quarterback and not so much on deep-play threats in need of time to let routes develop.

Smith is still a decent option, but the 49ers need complementary pieces here.

San Francisco acquired wideout Jeremy Kerley in a trade prior to the regular season, which has been nice. But he’s not exactly the kind of player opposing teams will scheme against.

As for the remaining cast of Niners receivers? Well, no one has truly stepped up and emerged as a legitimate threat.

Kelly’s offense is hurting for playmakers. His receivers are rarely creating separation on a week-to-week basis, and San Francisco’s offensive production is suffering as a result.