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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PULLMAN, WA – NOVEMBER 25: Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies catches a pass against Darrien Molton #3 of the Washington State Cougars in the first half of the 109th Apple Cup at Martin Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

Tracking the Ball on Deep Throws

Although Pettis was often able to get open deep thanks to his route-running ability, he wasn’t often hit in stride on deep passes. Luckily, Pettis showed the ability to track deep passes in the air and alter his routes in order to make the reception.

Pettis was also successful in contorting his body and making off-balance catches on errant throws. And when Pettis was thrown more accurate deep passes, he rarely misjudged a potential catch, thanks to his ability to track the ball in the air.

With Garoppolo looking to improve his deep passing game this season, if Pettis is able consistently win deep — and then track the ball effectively when it is in the air — Pettis and Goodwin could be a dangerous combination of deep threats for the 49ers in 2018: