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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EUGENE, OR – OCTOBER 08: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies rushes against defensive back Arrion Springs #1 of the Oregon Ducks on October 8, 2016 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Finding Holes in Zone Coverage

While many of Pettis’ biggest plays came against man coverage, he also excelled at finding holes in zone coverage, both on the outside, and in the middle of the field. This is a necessary talent if Pettis expects to play in important third-down situations this season.

Pettis appears to be a cerebral player who knows what defenses are trying to do, and how defenders will react to his offense’s route concepts. He effectively modifies his routes depending on the defensive coverage, and quickly turns his head to the quarterback when he finds open space.

If the 49ers decide to use more four-receiver sets in 2018 — with Pettis and Trent Taylor on the interior — defenses could have a difficult time covering the middle of the field against two quick receivers who have a great feeling for finding holes in zone coverage: