5 49ers playing for their jobs at training camp

No. 4: 49ers WR Danny Gray

Drafted to add a dimension of speed the 49ers sorely lack across their entire roster, Danny Gray might have had one of the most disappointing rookie seasons possible, especially considering his status as a third-round pick.

Gray finished the year with one reception for 10 yards in the entire 2022 regular season on just seven targets.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan is notorious for grilling receivers in his system, making it hard for rookies to find the field, let alone gain any traction. But to have had only one catch on the entire year is a difficult look for any player, and in this case, there was no discrepancy between performance and production. Gray seemed to struggle with holding onto the football and blocking adequately for the 49ers system.

Without those two skills, there's little chance to make it onto the field.

Gray's speed, though, is legitimately game-changing to the point where it may save his roster spot regardless of his production in training camp. But the 49ers will likely carry five receivers, with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk guaranteed to have a roster spot and Jauan Jennings a lock barring a major surprise or addition, that leaves Gray and Ray-Ray McCloud on the fringe.

McCloud has the more replaceable skill set, but he's been more productive and more dependable so far, and his status as a kickoff and punt returner gives him more versatility.

Players like Ronnie Bell and Chris Conley, the former excelling in minicamp and the latter a seasoned veteran, will give Gray a run for his money.

If he doesn't start showcasing how he can use his abilities, he may not get the chance.