Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Player locks for starting positions in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch over cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch over cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

No. 2: Pierre Garçon

Slot: Trent Taylor

The 49ers are likely going to be on the hunt for a top-tier, true No. 1 wide receiver this offseason. Whether it comes via free agency, a trade or the NFL Draft is anyone’s guess. But it remains a penultimate need after the offensive line and/or cornerback.

While current No. 1 wideout Marquise Goodwin nearly hit 1,000 receiving yards on the season, he’ll likely see a reduced role by both a receiver acquisition and a healthy return of the veteran, Pierre Garçon (IR, neck).

Garçon was at exactly 500 yards receiving before suffering his season-ending injury halfway through 2017. And that was with sub-par quarterback play.

It’s likely the Niners tab Garçon to be the No. 2 receiver on offense, which is fine.

Meanwhile, slot receiver Trent Taylor has emerged as a solid option for San Francisco’s offense. Particularly on third downs.

Taylor’s 430 receiving yards ranked fourth among all 49ers pass catchers last year, and we’ll likely see that number increase with his continued development and rapport with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.