49ers training camp: Predicting 2017 depth chart at wide receiver
By Peter Panacy
No. 6: DeAndre Smelter
The sixth spot on the depth chart is realistically the only difficult one to predict.
Final spots here are typically reserved for players capable of doubling on special teams, and wide receiver DeAndre Smelter isn’t exactly a true option. But he does have something the wide majority of other receivers don’t possess — size.
At 6-foot-2 and 227 pounds, Smelter has the combination of both size and speed to give San Francisco a more legitimate red-zone option and big-bodied target. And the speed element separates him from fellow wideout Aaron Burbridge.
And according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, Smelter has started to make a name of himself at camp:
Smelter was a non-factor in 2016 after missing his rookie season the previous year recovering from a collegiate ACL injury.
This could change in 2017, though, even if Smelter is holding onto a roster spot by the slimmest of margins.
Other candidates, especially receivers Victor Bolden and Kendrick Bourne, could be strong candidates for the practice squad this season.
Next: 6 biggest risers & fallers at 49ers training camp
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