Let's take a look at our wide receivers today.
Wide Receivers
Deebo Samuel - Deebo is one the NFL's highest paid receivers. Despite this he had an off year last year with an unspectaular 623 yard receiving and only 2 TDs. It was clear he was spent last offseason partying a bit too much as he was out of shape (relatively). This is not indicative of what Deebo is and it's clear that Samuels is aware of this and re-dedicated himself into getting into shape this offseason and looks like he is ready to bounce back. Deebo is one of the best weapons in the NFL but through all of it I think sometimes people forget how good of a fundamental WR he is. He runs a complete route tree and if you get him the ball he is extremely difficult to bring down as he is built more like a runningback than a receiver not unlike players like Danny Amendola and Wes Welker, but Deebo is a much better athlete as he possess both quick twitch speed and speed to run the ball downhill. I expect a return to form this season as the offense could be even more unstoppable with Deebo lined up. I also hope Kyle greatly reduces if not eliminates the snaps he takes behind the line of scrimmage, we have more than enough RBs who burst through the hole.
Performance: B
Potential: A
Overall: B+
Brandon Aiyuk - The best PAC 12 bum ever. 1015 yard and 8 TDs. Brandon Aiyuk is entering his prime as a receiver. Aiyuk was the best receiver of the 2022 season and teams are watching him like a hawk to see if the 49ers are able to sign him long term as he already is a potential 2024 free agent target, especially teams that lean toward running the ball. Aiyuk is a well balanced receiver, running a complete route tree, fighting for contested balls and fighting for extra yards. He is good enough to be a #1 receiver on a lot of teams but it's an advantage we have him as a #2. He has to be accounted for otherwise he will burn you for 1st down after first down and before you know it, score. Not sure what whether his future is here or elsewhere but Uncle Herm Edwards was right when he said just get that young man the ball and he'll make things happen.
Performance: B+
Potential: A-
Overall: B+
Jauan Jennings - Drafted in the 7th round of the 2020 draft. Jennings also nicknamed 3rd and Jauan, has established himself as a very capable 3rd down receiver. His large 6'3 frame allows him to beat slot corners on a regular basis and keep the chains moving. While not a burner in terms of speed, he has shown above average quickness in the open field and his speed (or lack thereof) isn't an impediment to him making plays. He has been the big pass catcher that we have needed for years and he is integral to rounding out the offense.
Performance: B-
Potential: B-
Overall: B-
Ray Ray McCloud III - An NFL journeyman at only 26, Ray Ray is another talented young player who the 49ers brought in to handle return duties in the departure of Richie James (now a Kansas City Chief). Ray Ray is a consistent return man and when asked to line up at receiver has been a pretty solid option. These are the pieces that fill in the gaps on great teams,
Performance: C+
Potential: B-
Overall: C+
Danny Gray - 2022 3rd round pick. Danny Gray was drafted to be the teams speedster. He made an impressive TD catch last pre-season but he seems to be in Kyle Shanahan's 'dog house'. I think he the biggest thing is that he is being trained to be a more complete receiver. He is probably working on running a more complete route tree and blocking consistently, these were issues when he was drafted as he ran mostly go routes in SMU due to his blazing 4.3 speed. I don't know how many snaps he will play in 2023-2024, as the above receivers are more proven but he could be stashed away on the roster as an insurance against the departures of Ray Ray McCloud and/or Brandon Aiyuk potentially after the 2024 season. He can also play as a specialist or in certain packages as he can blow the top off a defense with his speed.
Performance: C-
Potential: B-
Overall: C
Chris Conley - Veteran NFL WR. Conley has a chance to compete for the 5th WR spot. He stands as a tall 6'3 with a 4.3 40 time. Despite that he never quite showed that level of speed in the NFL even before tearing his achilles in 2017. With that said he could be a veteran presence on a fairly young WR room. But his spot on the main roster is far from guaranteed.
Performance: C-
Potential: C-
Overall: C-
Isaiah Winstead - 2023 UDFA from Eastern Carolina. Despite not running in the combine there are reports of him running about a 4.75. He may be faster than that on the turf though. Winstead is an impressive specimen at about 6'3 and 210. He has a similar profile to Jauan Jennings. Despite putting up an impressive highlight reel, he went undrafted for a reason. I think he is a project. One that might pay off but a project nonetheless. His routes are at best unrefined, I think he is a better athlete than Jennings BUT he dislikes blocking and it shows, in fact, he seems to dislike contact though he can get some YAC just off his sheer size and he needs to work on his catching technique as he tends to catch with his body and not use his large frame to go out and get the ball and he drops too many passes for my liking. A lot of these issues are coachable though but I think he needs a year to work on that. I think he makes the practice squad and has a chance to train and build up an NFL level skillset to match his god given size,
Performance - C-
Potential - C+
Overall - C
Willie Snead IV - Veteran NFL receiver. He is mostly there to be a depth option. I would consider him to be a strong bubble player. He could be a practice squad stash or perhaps be cut this camp to make room for younger additions. There is a decent chance he comes back as a practice squad player for another season.
Performance: D
Potential: F
Overall: D-
Dazz Newsome - 2021 6th round draft pick. Dazz is really a potential special teams player and depth slot receiver. I think he will likely be stashed on the practice squad as a potential replacement for Ray Ray McCloud should we be unable to re-sign him for a cheap contract. Other than that he is a camp body with some upside.
Performance: D
Potential: C-
Ovrtall D+
Tay Martin - Davontavean Martin as a 2022 UDFA. At 6'2 he definitely has NFL height but at only about 185 lbs. Taller, lanky receivers have a tough time making it, the corners in the NFC west are big and physical and he is not so fast that he can just pass corners on speed. He is already 25, so he has fairly little upside, he can be an emergency receiver but he is basically fighting to keep his place on the practice squad.
Performance: D-
Potential: D-
Overall: D-
Unit Analysis:
I think the WR position is pretty much set from the 1-4 spots. So really the point of entry will be at receiver 5 for any potential shakeups and I think Danny Gray brings the most unique skillset of the the remaining receivers so it's his spot to lose. With that said, I think Isaiah Winstead could be a player to watch. Don't let my criticisms of him fool you, I also think he has considerable upside and could be a potential 3rd receiver in the future should things go left with Jauan Jennings come negotiation time or if he simply outplays his 7th round status and becomes a market commodity. We have a few NFL veterans who have logged in significant playing time and a few younger prospects who could use some seasoning. If healthy, I think this is one of the most well balanced receiver rooms in the league and if Deebo can return to 2021 form this is as fearsome a group as any in the league,
Unit Grade: B+
and AFC North 
this year.
