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NFL free agency: Ranking the top 5 wide receivers on the 49ers’ target list

By Peter Panacy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 05: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown against the New York Giants in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 05: Sammy Watkins #12 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a touchdown against the New York Giants in the second quarter against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 5, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Donte Moncrief #10 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Donte Moncrief #10 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts

Remember that whole thing about the 49ers needing bigger receivers? Well, current Indianapolis Colts wideout Donte Moncrief fits the bill.

At 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds, Moncrief would immediately be among the tallest receivers if signed by San Francisco this offseason. And his larger, physical frame would bring an added element similar to that of Pierre Garçon. Moncrief is fast enough for his size too.

Moncrief’s numbers over the past two years haven’t been great. But it’s important to note this paralleled the injuries to Colts quarterback Andrew Luck:

Donte Moncrief NFL Receiving Table
Game Game Rece Rece Rece Rece Rece Rece Rece Rece Rece
Year Age Tm Pos G GS Tgt Rec Yds Y/R TD Lng R/G Y/G Ctch%
2014 21 IND wr 16 2 49 32 444 13.9 3 79 2.0 27.8 65.3%
2015 22 IND WR 16 10 105 64 733 11.5 6 33 4.0 45.8 61.0%
2016 23 IND wr 9 7 56 30 307 10.2 7 39 3.3 34.1 53.6%
2017 24 IND WR 12 8 47 26 391 15.0 2 60 2.2 32.6 55.3%
Care Care 53 27 257 152 1875 12.3 18 79 2.9 35.4

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/26/2018.

To be fair, though, few receivers see their numbers stay steady after losing a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback.

All this leads to a bargain deal for San Francisco, if it winds up targeting Moncrief in NFL free agency. The 49ers would hope he could match the kind of production showcased back in 2015. Paired with a dynamic offense, it’s possible he could, if he stays healthy.