Despite a particularly heartbreaking loss of Michael Crabtree to an Achilles tear, a bevy of San Francisco 49ers wide receivers have risen to the challenge.
Well, at least thus far in non-contact offseason practices, that is.
Ten-year veteran Anquan Boldin has cemented his standing as the unquestioned No. 1 wideout in place of Crabtree. From Day 1 of donning a 49ers uniform, Boldin has excelled in just about every workout and has imparted invaluable knowledge on his lesser experienced teammates.
Fellow receivers A.J. Jenkins, Ricardo Lockette and especially rookie Quinton Patton have all taken in Boldin’s advice. Whether it involves getting a proper jump off the line, finding openings in zone looks or executing a successful blocking assignment, the relative 49er neophytes are receiving Grade A hands-on lessons.
And if they prefer more of the more dramatic, ball-so-hard variety, Boldin absolutely victimized All-Pro coverage linebacker Patrick Willis on a catch over the middle during OTA’s.
All of the other aforementioned wide receivers have stepped up as well. Jenkins has consistently produced strong showings by earning multiple catch of the day honors from 49ers beat writers. He recorded the fewest number of drops and showcased his understanding of the playbook day in and day out. San Francisco coaches have been thoroughly impressed.
Jenkins might be the frontrunner for the No. 2 job behind Boldin.
Lockette has been solid throughout. He hasn’t necessarily registered anything spectacular. But he also has shown steady development of his awesome 6’2’’, 4.37-running skill set. If Lockette continues at this rate through training camp, he has an opportunity to fill the role of outside-the-numbers deep threat for Colin Kaepernick.
Patton, for his part, has benefited greatly from the extreme number of snaps he’s received in his first year on the job. He dominated the second day of minicamp and has made incredible strides since appearing a bit raw during initial rookie practices. He really has demonstrated the know-how and ability to man all three receiver positions.
Additional wideouts that face a near impossible challenge of earning a spot on the WR depth chart, but have opened many eyes thus far, are Marlon Moore and Kassim Osgood. Jim Harbaugh was particularly praiseworthy of the 6’5’’ Osgood, while Moore has hauled in difficult passes all over the field from Kaepernick this offseason.
Both were signed primarily as special teams upgrades, so the road to making contributions as receivers will be long and arduous. They have been exciting additions nonetheless.
On a final note, Mario Manningham will not be ready until preseason at the earliest. He has not had the opportunity in which to further develop his role in this offense. Kyle Williams, meanwhile, has participated in offseason work in a reduced, yet productive capacity, and has been cleared for training camp.
Watch out for Williams to secure the No. 2 wide receiver spot from Jenkins and officially replace Crabtree at the X position once training camp and preseason action conclude.
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