San Francisco 49ers: Creating the ideal starting lineup for 2018
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver
Right Wideout: Marquise Goodwin
Left Wideout: Dante Pettis
Slot Receiver: Trent Taylor
No big additions or impact adds for the 49ers at wide receiver. But there is a change that’s notable.
It’s a bit of a leap of faith, but the Niners may elect to swap out the veteran, Pierre Garçon, with the younger and more dynamic rookie, Dante Pettis.
Pettis has been hobbled by a knee injury, which has held him out for much of 2018. But there’s no doubting his route-running abilities are among the best from this year’s rookie class. And if he’s able to get a bit stronger to handle press coverage at the line of scrimmage, he’ll arguably be the most complete receiver on Kyle Shanahan’s roster.
That roster is made so much more effective with Marquise Goodwin present and healthy, however. His speed spreads the field and opens up so many things for Shanahan’s other targets.
And Trent Taylor returns as a third-down weapon out of the slot.
San Francisco’s wideouts have been problematic and inconsistent this season, which would prompt thoughts another target is needed. But remember, we haven’t seen this crop fully healthy and locked in together all season. Maybe that changes later. If it does, and things look good, Shanahan’s offense is enough to make this group more than effective.