Which 49ers players are on the bubble entering training camp?
By Peter Panacy
49ers training camp bubble watch: Wide receiver
Lock: Brandon Aiyuk, Danny Gray*, Jauan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud, Deebo Samuel
Strong bubble: Malik Turner
Weak bubble: KeeSean Johnson, Marcus Johnson
Long shot: Austin Mack, Taysir Mack*, Tay Martin*
Kyle Shanahan arguably has the most complete wide receiver corps since taking over the Niners’ head-coaching job in 2017, highlighted by the 2022 NFL Draft addition of the speedy Danny Gray.
Gray’s 4.33 40-yard time is the perfect element to open up things more for returnees like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, both of whom will still command the bulk of targets from quarterback Trey Lance, while big-slot receiver Jauan Jennings hopes to pick up where he left off last season as a go-to target on third downs.
However, Gray was limited during mandatory minicamp with a groin injury, which gave way to one of the Niners’ other free-agent pickups, return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud, getting a lot of work in with the offense.
McCloud might actually be San Francisco’s prime deep threat to start the year as Gray acclimates, which rounds out four of a possible five spots on the 53-man roster at this position.
Of the remaining names, Malik Turner seemed to be the player separating the most out of the pack, so it’s likely his spot to lose, and his abilities on special teams will also go a long way towards not relinquishing a regular-season designation.