Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 4 possible 2021 Pro Bowlers from current 49ers offense

By Akshaj Dwivedula

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle from Janoris Jenkins #20 of the New York Giants on his way to an 83-yard touchdown against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle from Janoris Jenkins #20 of the New York Giants on his way to an 83-yard touchdown against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Marquise Goodwin

Gone are the days when Marquise Goodwin was known more for trying out for the Olympics rather than being an NFL wide receiver. Following Pierre Garcon‘s injury and Jimmy Garoppolo’s ascent (seems to be a trend emerging here), Goodwin showed why he should be the primary option for the 49ers this year.

Per the San Francisco Chronicle, “in five games with Garoppolo, Goodwin had 29 catches for 384 yards — numbers that would translate to 93 catches and 1,229 yards over a 16-game season — on short and intermediate routes.”

For a player who never was considered more than a one-trick pony, Goodwin’s burst of production was a great sign for all parties involved. Pro Football Focus corroborates this massive jump in production:

A 28.4 grade boost is no small matter. But Goodwin wouldn’t be on this list if there wasn’t potential for more.

Nick Wagoner of ESPN (h/t 247sports.com) wrote this after seeing Goodwin’s Aug. 2 training camp performance:

"Goodwin was clearly team’s top wideout last season, particularly at the end of the year. He doesn’t look like he’s going to cede that position any time soon. High expectations among teammates/coaches for him if he can stay healthy.”"

Goodwin has been making play after play this training camp. I mean just look at this highlight:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1025126593499488258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1025126593499488258&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F247sports.com%2Fnfl%2Fsan-francisco-49ers%2FArticle%2F49ers-training-camp-Marquise-Goodwin-making-waves-120327477%2F

It went so far as Ahkello Witherspoon saying (h/t Eric Branch of San Francisco Chronicle) that Goodwin is the best wide receiver on the roster because of “speed and I feel like he’s underestimated as a route runner, as well. Very intricate routes, detailed routes, combining that with speed that threatens you, you have to respect it and it makes his game complete.”

In 2021, Goodwin will lose some of his speed, but his route-running savvy paints a better picture for his future. Plus, a slightly slower Goodwin is faster than most of the players in the NFL, currently.

The 49ers have a promising future at wide receiver with Goodwin and this next player.