49ers training camp 2021: 5 hottest storylines so far

No. 4: Trent Sherfield is emerging as 49ers’ tertiary wideout

Perhaps the 49ers’ lack of wide receiver depth isn’t going to be as big a problem as many originally thought.

At least not in light of the way fourth-year wide receiver Trent Sherfield has been playing.

The former Arizona Cardinals‘ special teams ace has been a primary recipient of many of both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance’s passes, and Sherfield was the one who managed separation over a linebacker and hauled in Lance’s impressive 50-yard bomb during practice.

Earlier during organized team activities, it appeared as if Mohamed Sanu and Jauan Jennings were the favorites to seize the role as the Niners’ third-tier wide receiver behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Now, Sherfield seems to be the one who’s building an impressive rapport with San Francisco’s quarterbacks.

Sherfield, particularly in light of his special teams prowess, was likely to make the 49ers’ 53-man roster anyway, so his ascent doesn’t necessarily do anything for a roster spot. It does, however, potentially shake up the depth chart, meaning some of the other players vying for a key role this season could be in jeopardy of missing out.

What the Niners will hope for, however, is the 6-foot-1, 219-pound wideout continues to separate from the rest of the competition.