Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers’ 2019 depth chart at wide receiver

By Matt Stephenson

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) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Jordan Matthews #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his first quarter touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Jordan Matthews #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his first quarter touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Jordan Matthews

Having signed Jordan Matthews to a one-year deal during free agency, Shanahan will be looking to the veteran to provide some much needed red-zone offense. That being said, with the new additions the 49ers made during the draft, Matthews will now have to earn his spot on the roster.

Matthews is a potential red-zone threat, with 16 of his 22 touchdowns coming while in the red zone. And, while Matthews only recorded 20 receptions for 300 yards in 2018. He averaged a whopping 15 yards per reception.

He has 270 career receptions for 3,255 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per reception and the above-mentioned 22 touchdowns. One positive aspect in Matthews favor is his ability to gain yards, a well known area the 49ers struggled in last season.

Coming in at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, not only does Matthews bring great size with him, he also has the speed and the ability to both play in the slot and on the outside, providing Shanahan with the option to utilize Matthews’ skill set across the field depending on the play that’s being called.

Matthews’ position in the depth chart will likely be dictated by his performance during training camp and preseason games. While a good performance may see his stock rise, an equally bad one may result in a final preseason cut.