49ers updated roster bubble watch after 2021 OTAs
By Peter Panacy
49ers Bubble Watch: Wide Receiver
Lock: Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel
Strong Bubble: Travis Benjamin, Richie James, Jauan Jennings, Mohamed Sanu, Trent Sherfield
Weak Bubble: River Cracraft, Jalen Hurd, Austin Watkins Jr., Kevin White
Long Shot: Bennie Fowler, Andy Jones
The fact there are only two wide receivers on this list listed as locks, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, speaks to the nature of just how open the competition is for the No. 3 spot at the position on the depth chart.
OTAs gave us a slightly better indication of who’s in the lead here, as Mohamed Sanu and Jauan Jennings appeared to be pulling ahead as favorites. That said, a speedster like Travis Benjamin could emerge as a potential gadget weapon, while Trent Sherfield and Richie James both provide an upside on special teams.
The 49ers aren’t likely to keep seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster, though, meaning someone on the strong side of the bubble isn’t likely to make the cut. Determining who could prove to be a tough challenge, especially if Sherfield, Benjamin, Jennings, James and Sanu all wind up performing well at training camp.
It’s been time for a while to give up on third-year pro Jalen Hurd, who spent the last two seasons out with serious injuries and missed actual OTA practices, instead rehabilitating his torn ACL on the sidelines during practices.
If Hurd emerges fully healthy for camp, his chances of hanging around increase dramatically. But he hasn’t been able to show that capability yet, and it’s looking more and more like he won’t be part of the Niners’ long-term plans.