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San Francisco 49ers: Early predictions for 2017 depth chart, 53-man roster

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) reacts in the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) reacts in the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver (6)

Left Wide Receiver: Pierre Garcon, Aldrick Robinson

Right Wide Receiver: Marquise Goodwin, DeAndre Smelter

Slot Receiver: Jeremy Kerley, Trent Taylor

The 49ers completely overhauled their wide receiver group from last season, and slot receiver Jeremy Kerley is the only notable carryover from last year’s bunch. He was re-signed to a three-year deal and will primarily operate out of the slot.

But rookie Trent Taylor could see some snaps too, especially if he’s able to contribute on special teams.

Pierre Garcon is now San Francisco’s unquestioned No. 1 receiving target. Both he and Aldrick Robinson worked under head coach Kyle Shanahan when he was the offensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. So one should treat these two wideouts as mentors this offseason.

Former Buffalo Bills wideout Marquise Goodwin brings blazing speed to the equation, which Shanahan covets.

This all but pushes San Francisco’s other receivers out of the picture. But it’s possible third-year pro DeAndre Smelter hangs on based off his speed potential alone.