Early 49ers roster bubble watch after 2020 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver
Lock: Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne, Deebo Samuel
Strong Bubble: Jalen Hurd, Richie James, Jauan Jennings, Dante Pettis, Trent Taylor
Weak Bubble: Travis Benjamin, Chris Finke, Shawn Poindexter
Long Shot: Chris Thompson
It’s been a while, 2012 to be exact, since the 49ers used a first-round NFL Draft pick on a wide receiver. This year, they bucked the trend by moving up to No. 25 overall to grab Arizona State wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who’ll be given every chance to thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense as a starter.
Aiyuk, along with seventh-round draftee Jauan Jennings, both have some physicality to their game, which signals a shift from the previous finesse receivers Shanahan has mostly targeted.
This could spell some trouble for third-year pro Dante Pettis, who all but disappeared from Shanahan’s game plan in 2019. The Niners still have hope for Pettis, banking on a resurgent 2020 campaign after being an afterthought last year. But given previous players’ records who have fallen in to Shanahan’s proverbial doghouse, Pettis’ job is anything but safe.
The rest of the receiving crop behind Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne and Deebo Samuel has question marks. Jalen Hurd and Trent Taylor are both coming off significant injuries, while Travis Benjamin has to be on the fringes despite his blazing 40-yard time… back in 2012.
While they’re also on the weaker side of the bubble, keep an eye on receivers Chris Finke and Shawn Poindexter to turn some heads during training camp and the preaseason.
Can Richie James finally get some offensive snaps?