Predicting the San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup in 2017
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver
While tight end might not be a big worry for San Francisco, wide receiver is.
The only bright spot in 2016 has been trade addition Jeremy Kerley, who still leads the 49ers with 424 receiving yards despite not being a favorite target of quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
He’s a good slot guy, and the Niners might like to keep it that way moving forward. He’s shown a lot more ability and impact than former slot receiver Bruce Ellington ever has. So that’s a small upgrade for San Francisco. Kerley is a free agent in 2017, so San Francisco would have to re-sign him. It’s a smart move to do so.
Barring a trade — which could happen — No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith isn’t going anywhere. So he’ll start and, hopefully, the 49ers can get him more involved.
This still leaves a gaping hole on the other side of the formation. The hopes were that either Quinton Patton or rookie Aaron Burbridge could fill this void. While Patton is having a career-best year, his impact remains minimal. Burbridge is basically a non-factor at this point.
The 49ers need to add another impact wideout via free agency or the NFL Draft. Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery might be the preferred target, but he won’t come cheap.
Yet the Niners don’t have to worry too much about overpaying someone like Jeffery.