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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CORVALLIS, OR – SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
CORVALLIS, OR – SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Dante Pettis

Before training camp, I detailed five positions that could be up for grabs. In doing so, I wrote how Dante Pettis could push Trent Taylor for the slot receiver position.

Well, I underestimated Dante Pettis. Forget the slot receiver position. Pettis should be the primary backup for outside receivers this year and could pressure for a starting spot next year.

He’s been an absolute revelation this training camp. Grant Cohn of the Press Democrat wrote how “Pettis beat both of the 49ers’ starting cornerbacks — Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon.”

That’s pretty impressive for a rookie. NBCsports.com details just what makes Pettis so special:

"Pettis has the ability to make defenders miss in space, as a record-setting nine career punt return touchdowns in college demonstrated. His walk-off touchdown showed he can do it at the line of scrimmage, too."

This ability to create separation is one of the most coveted skills in the NFL. Any wide receiver that can do that is bound for success.

But Pettis isn’t just all potential. In college, he showed exactly why he could be a future Pro Bowler and warranted that second-round pick.

Touchdowns would be a huge boost to any Pro Bowl candidacy, and Pettis has shown his ability to get his. In his last 26 college games, Pettis had 22 touchdowns and 1,583 receiving yards. That’s elite production, especially considering that in 2017 (his junior year) Pettis was the No. 2 option at his position.

Even if wide receiver doesn’t pan out the way people are now expecting, Pettis has a great chance to get in as a returner. He had nine career punt return touchdowns, an NCAA record. All of Pettis’ shifty ability should be amplified with a ton of space to work with.

Next. 49ers training camp 2018: Wide receivers impress again, Ahkello Witherspoon bounces back. dark

The NFL is moving towards a pass-happy world, and these Pro Bowl predictions reflect that scheme shift.