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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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CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 07: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants reacts against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 07: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants reacts against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Odell Beckham Jr.

Now let me first start by saying remember that this is my dream list or best-case scenario for the 49ers. While a trade with the New York Giants for Odell Beckham Jr. may never indeed happen, should the possibility be there, I think it’s one the Niners should pursue.

While I would be happy with either a trade for Beckham or fellow wide receiver Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Beckham brings with him less risk and more reward. For starters, while he won’t come cheap, he has age on his side. Beckham is 26 compared to Brown’s 30. He has more years left in the league which brings more value with it and less chance of a drop-in production.

Further to that, Beckham brings with him far less controversy and speculation than Brown does. While he isn’t a choir boy and similarly to Brown has been referred to as a diva in the past, he is by far the safest option.

Beckham finished 2018 with 1,052 yards from 77 receptions, averaging 13.7 yards per reception and four touchdowns. He has surpassed 1,000 yards in four out of his five seasons, only missing out on one occasion due to injury.

His talent and tremendous ability with the ball truly makes him one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. Teaming him with Garoppolo would make for an exciting duo, not to mention a big increase in the 49ers capability to pose a real threat down the field.

Next. Top wide receivers available to the 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft. dark

While I love Richie James Jr., this depth chart simply doesn’t provide the room for him to compete at this stage. With a likely return to special teams the most likely option for him. Along with Steven Dunbar to the practice squad.