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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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Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Dante Pettis

Entering 2019, Dante 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 Kendrick 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 wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Marquise 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 at the top of the 49ers’ depth chart for the foreseeable future.

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. Given the limited game time provided to Steven Dunbar thus far, he may wind up on the team’s practice squad, however could also find himself on the chopping block.

Next. 49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. dark

Taylor is still an unknown. After having a fantastic rookie year, his production suffered greatly in 2018 due to a prolonged back injury and recovery from surgery. While he will likely be battling for a position towards the bottom of the 49ers’ roster, his likelihood of remaining on the team is dependent on his preseason play-ability.

If he shows enough of a recovery during preseason, he may be able to secure himself a position at the bottom of the depth chart.