Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Biggest winners & losers from the 2018 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame after he was picked #9 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 15: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a catch against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Loser: Wide Receiver Pierre Garçon

On the surface, it might appear slot receiver Trent Taylor is the primary loser after the Niners drafted Washington wideout Dante Pettis in Round 2. After all, NFL.com’s Mike Mayock projected Pettis to be more of a slot option competing with Taylor for catches.

Perhaps, although it’s tough to see San Francisco “giving up” on Taylor after a promising rookie season a year ago.

At 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, Pettis is more than just a slot receiver. He’s more than capable of playing on the outside, possibly emerging as a true No. 1 option when considering how good his route-running skills are.

Currently, the 49ers’ top receiver is the veteran, Pierre Garçon. Garçon, 6-foot-0 and a modestly heavier 210 pounds, will turn 32 years old by the start of the regular season. And while he’s still a solid receiving option for head coach Kyle Shanahan, the proverbial “writing on the wall” for Garçon’s future with the team is becoming evident.

Garçon is signed through 2021, although the Niners hold options on 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Each year Pettis progresses marks a lesser chance Garçon remains in a 49ers uniform.