Power ranking each 49ers position group entering Week 1 of 2023 season

No. 4: Wide Receivers

The wide receivers' room is quite similar to the defensive backs room on the 49ers, with two high-level players leading the way.

For the 49ers, Deebo Samuel hopes to rediscover his absurd production from the 2021 season where he willed San Francisco to playoff victories, but his play last year was solid. Brandon Aiyuk, on the other hand, has continued a slow ascent to the upper tier of receivers in the NFL following a rough sophomore start. He notched a 1,000-yard season last year, and with more cohesive QB play with Brock Purdy, perhaps even more is coming.

The receivers rank above the defensive backs because of the skillcset of their depth. Jauan Jennings has not taken that next step as a receiver, but as it stands, he is a powerful shifty big slot player who, when able to hold onto the ball, wracks up first downs and TDs. Danny Gray, who is currently on IR, had an abysmal rookie year leaving him on the roster bubble, but his strong showing in training camp before his injury along with his speed compared to the rest of the roster makes him an obvious deep threat and change of pace to the team. Ray-Ray McCloud, currently injured, is a smaller version of Samuel who was able to make big plays for the 49ers last year, and rookie seventh-rounder Ronnie Bell was a wrecking ball in preseason, earning his roster spot without question.

Also important to note for now is WR Chris Conley, currently on the practice squad but likely to be activated for Week 1. He offers a little bit of everything to shore up the position group.