2017 NFL Draft: Five Biggest Questions for 49ers
No. 2: What Will the 49ers Do At Wide Receiver?
Void of Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, the wide receiver position for the 49ers has been in a state of despair for years.
Last year was no different, as San Francisco finished with the 32nd-ranked passing offense last season, per PFR. The changing carousel at quarterback and offensive scheme contributed to this, but it was mainly due to the fact that the 49ers lack playmaking ability at the position.
San Francisco attempted to change that with the signings of wide receivers Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin and Aldrick Robinson in free agency.
Garçon is undoubtedly a solid No. 1 option; but the former Redskin and Colt is now on the wrong side of father time at age 30 and Garçon’s production is not comparable to the top-tier wide receivers of today’s league.
The addition of Goodwin is a nice one, as his speed and agility will be put to proper use under Shanahan, but he ultimately is not a game-changer. The same can be said with Robinson. They both just lack star power — that ability to be a marquee player.
So, even with three signings made (as well as resigning Jeremy Kerley), just how much attention do the 49ers give wide receiver? Are they comfortable with the current options? What type of receivers will Shanahan be looking for? It is going to be compelling to see how San Francisco approaches this position, given the previous success of Shanahan and his offenses.