The 2019 NFL Draft class is full of talent at the wide receiver position, but the lack of an elite prospect makes the second round the perfect spot for the San Francisco 49ers to draft a starting wideout.
After signing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a record-breaking contract, the San Francisco 49ers entered last season with high expectations for their wide receiving corps. Despite the prior breakout season of newcomer Marquise Goodwin, the emergence of rookie third-down specialist Trent Taylor and the return of veteran wide receiver Pierre Garcon, the 49ers added a pair of receivers — Dante Pettis and Richie James — in the draft for added insurance.
After boasting the NFL’s top offense with Garoppolo under center in 2017, the 49ers appeared to have a formidable passing attack as the 2018 season began. In the end, the Niners’ wide receivers would prove to be a record-breaking group, but not as the team’s front office intended:
The #49ers were the only team in the #NFL without a 500-yard wide receiver in 2018. First time for the @49ers in over 40 years… @AB84
#49wz
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) January 11, 2019
The injury bug hit the 49ers’ passing game hard in 2018, beginning with a Week 1 injury to Goodwin. Two weeks later, Garoppolo was lost for the remainder of the year. With backup quarterback C.J. Beathard under center, Garcon attempted to fight through nagging injuries until his season — and 49ers career — finally fizzled out. The 2018 season proved to be a lost year for Taylor, who never fully recovered from offseason back surgery, as well as Goodwin, who missed extensive time due to both injury and personal reasons. Third-string QB Nick Mullens was eventually able to breathe some life into the Niners’ passing attack, but mostly through the unsustainable overuse of All-Pro tight end George Kittle.
After digging into the numbers, #49ers TE George Kittle @gkittle46 was an elite receiver in 2018. Given his heavy utilization and QB rotation, simply a remarkable, one-of-a-kind season for a TE. If the @49ers add a top WR and JG returns healthy, watch out, #NFL. #GoNiners #49wz pic.twitter.com/pvolFmNi2t
— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) January 11, 2019
Pettis showed promise over the latter portion of the season and should play a major role going forward, and Taylor claims to be healthy and ready for 2019. But with Garcon gone and Goodwin seemingly focused on the 2020 Olympics instead of football, the San Francisco 49ers are back in the market for a wide receiver. Despite a lack of talented options in free agency, 49ers general manager John Lynch nearly addressed the team’s deficiency over the offseason with a blockbuster trade for New York Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Unfortunately, Giants GM Dave Gettleman decided against trading his prized wideout to the highest bidder….
About the Author: Chris Wilson
