49ers training camp: Each position's top battle to watch in 2023
By Peter Panacy
Top 49ers wide receiver battle: Slot receiver
Players in the mix: Jauan Jennings, Danny Gray, Ray-Ray McCloud, Ronnie Bell
Historically, head coach Kyle Shanahan has opted for big-slot wide receivers over the traditional small and shifty ones, and the Niners have done so successfully with the big-bodied Jauan Jennings the last two years.
Jennings enters a contract year, though, and it wouldn't be overly shocking to see Shanahan change things up a bit.
Particularly if one of a few different camp scenarios pan out.
Danny Gray, the third-round speedster who was selected out of SMU a year ago, might be desperate this season after registering just one catch for 10 yards his rookie year. Meanwhile, return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud had a share of offensive moments last season, too, while rookie Ronnie Bell was one of San Francisco's rookie standouts from offseason workouts.
Read more: Ronnie Bell is poised to be 49ers' latest Day 3 draft gem
The 49ers are set atop the receiving depth chart with Brandon Aiyuk and the All-Pro, Deebo Samuel. And while Jennings is likely the favorite to retain his No. 3 spot on the depth chart, the slot receiver is still up for grabs to a large extent.