Niner Noise
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NFL Draft: Positional Priority List for the 49ers in 2016

By Peter Felsch

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Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Pass Catchers

Wide Receiver

The 49ers haven’t had a true No. 1 wide receiver since the infamous Terrell Owens.

Sure, Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree had there glory moments but never quite lived up to the level of Owens when he was at his prime.

San Francisco’s pass catchers on the roster now are a mix of unproven young talents who have yet to be a reliable target for head coach ChipKelly’s offense. Veteran Torrey Smith is more of a deep threat and lacks route-running ability to be a true No. 1 target. Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington are both undersized slot receivers and haven’t shown much promise.

The wild card of this bunch is newcomer Jeremy Kerley, who came over from Detroit in the offseason. Kerley leads the team in Receptions (40) and Yards (424) via ESPN.com. It would be wise for general manager Trent Baalke to scour the upper flight of receivers in the upcoming draft for a player who can take the offense to the next level.

Tight End

As for the tight end group, starter Vance McDonald is having a solid season posting three touchdowns and 18.4 yards per catch. He is on a contract year, so expect the 49ers to resign him in the offseason. Garrett Celek and Blake Bell are quality backups but have limited upside. It would be a surprise if the team selected a TE in the draft, but may sign an undrafted free agent for the practice squad.

Players to Scout

WR Mike Williams, Clemson (6-foot-3, 205 lbs) – Projected Rd. 1-2

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC (6-foot-2, 215 lbs) – Projected Rd. 1-3