San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who’ll struggle in 2020 training camp
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo
In fairness to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, a lot of his predicted training camp struggles could stem from all those question marks at wide receiver.
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Deebo Samuel and, to a lesser extent, Kendrick Bourne are the only proven wide receivers the Niners have heading into 2020. Brandon Aiyuk’s development is something to watch, but he could struggle. It’s anyone’s guess what formerly injured players like Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd have to offer, too. Same with third-year pro Dante Pettis.
Simply put, the lack of wide receiver prowess and inability to generate some much-needed chemistry on the field — aside from those impromptu practice sessions Garoppolo and some of his teammates had in Nashville — could ultimately fall on the quarterback.
Fair or not, skeptics will look at Garoppolo.
It’s not without precedent. Remember that one 2019 camp practice when Garoppolo tossed five interceptions? Well, turns out the 49ers defense was pretty good that year and ranked No. 1 in the NFL against the pass.
It’s anyone’s guess whether that’ll be the case or not in 2020, but one can fairly assume Garoppolo would have preferred some practical field time with his receiving corps this offseason.
Next. 10 players who'll impress during 49ers training camp. dark
And the lack of work here could ultimately carry over into training camp.