5 San Francisco 49ers who won’t make 53-man roster in 2024
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Wide receiver Danny Gray
Another third-round NFL Draft pickup, wide receiver Danny Gray has fallen well short of desired expectations ever since the 49ers picked him up back in 2022.
Gray, known for his straightline speed, caught just one pass for 7 yards his rookie season and was shelved for the entirety of 2023 because of an injury, only having a modest chance to return late in the year when the Niners opened his practice window but opted not to promote him to the 53-man roster.
San Francisco's top three wideouts are already set: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk (assuming no trade happens) and Jauan Jennings. Depth wideouts Ronnie Bell and Chris Conley likely have more favor toward the 53-man roster over Gray, too, meaning the latter is already a long shot to hang around into the regular season.
That doesn't even include whatever transactions the 49ers may make at the position in the draft, and this year's class is merely a repeat of the talent levels available in previous years.
None of that bodes well for Gray.