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

Working the Sideline

When the 49ers first drafted Pettis, many in the media projected him as a slot receiver, including a few of the most knowledgable beat reporters who cover the team. While Pettis can certainly play in the slot thanks to his hands and short-area quickness, he primarily played on the outside at Washington — unless the team was in an abnormal formation or a four-receiver set — even when Pettis was the team’s secondary option to Ross in 2016.

Considering the draft capital the team spent to acquire Pettis, Lynch and Shanahan expect him to become more than merely a third-down slot receiver, although he should see some snaps there early in his career. The only thing that would preclude Pettis from playing on the outside is if the receiver fails to gain the strength necessary to beat press coverage.

Pettis runs a full route tree, including a decent out route, which he demonstrated regularly. Combined with excellent footwork and a good feel for the sideline, Pettis’ college game film was filled with successful plays on the perimeter of the field: