Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 2019 wide receiver depth chart

By Matt Stephenson

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers scores on a 55 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers scores on a 55 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 23: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers walks on the field after injuring his knee during their NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 23: Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers walks on the field after injuring his knee during their NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Dante Pettis

Entering 2019, Pettis should see an improvement in his game. After getting off to a somewhat shaky start, made harder by ongoing knee injuries throughout his rookie year, Pettis finished off the season strongly.

Coming in second behind Bourne, Pettis finished with 467 yards from 27 receptions, averaging 17.3 yards per reception and five touchdowns.

As his rookie year progressed, you could see the improvement in Pettis’ game, with him continuing to build upon the core skills associated with being a receiver in the NFL. His awareness in his route running started to gain momentum, along with a big decrease in the amount of balls he was dropping.

He put on show his athleticism, speed and amazing ability to separate from defenders which would see him turn into a legitimate offensive threat. With both Garcon and Goodwin seeing time on the sideline, Pettis stepped up when called upon and was tasked with much more than is usually expected out of a rookie.

Pettis has shown his proficiency as a receiver and unless some unforeseen circumstances occur, should remain towards the top of the 49ers’ depth chart for the foreseeable future.