49ers Film Room: Rookie second-round wide receiver Dante Pettis

49ers film room: Breaking down WR Dante Pettis’ offensive fit

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver John Ross #1 of the Washington Huskies is congratulated by wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 after scoring a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal in the second quarter on September 30, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 22: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies catches a 41 yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Oregon State Beavers on October 22, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Beavers 41-17. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Slant-Flat Concept

The slant-flat concept is a staple of Shanahan’s offense, which we have documented heavily in the past. It is also one of the Huskies’ go-to concepts, and one that Pettis ran many times with success.

While the strength of NFL corners will present a challenge to the rookie receiver, for a player of his stature, Pettis did a decent job of beating press coverage in college, particularly due to his suddenness off the line.

Pettis was effective in working his way open by playing off his flat receiver, as well as setting subtle picks for his flat receiver without making contact with defenders.

Pettis knew how to alter his routes when facing zone coverage, and used his body to properly shield away defenders in man coverage. Pettis displayed good hands on slant routes, and was often able to gain additional yardage thanks to his short-area quickness: