San Francisco 49ers: 5 Dark-Horse Candidates to Start in 2017

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January 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek (88) is congratulated by wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (18) for scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Smelter

A true wildcard at the receiver position, DeAndre Smelter’s hopes of even making the roster look somewhat slim.

There could conceivably be as many as seven receivers ahead of Smelter, who has just one catch for 23 yards in a 49ers career ravaged by the injuries, but his roster prospects have been given something of a boost with the releases of undrafted free agent KD Cannon and Eric Rogers.

And beyond, Pierre Garcon, the 49ers possess little in the way of size at receiver. None of Marquise Goodwin, Jeremy Kerley Trent Taylor, Aldrick Robinson and Bruce Ellington are over 5’10, whereas Smelter comes in at 6’2″ and 227 pounds.

That is perfect size to play in the NFL as an outside receiver and, given Shanahan’s propensity for getting the best out of skill position players, Smelter has an opportunity to vault his way up the depth chart.

The problem, of course, surrounds durability, injuries have prevented Smelter from displaying his physicality, ability to win when the ball is in the air and talent after the catch.

If he can stay healthy and impress in camp, then Smelter has enough tools to not only stick on the roster but finally deliver on his potential.