IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW THIRD LEADING WIDE RECEIVER FOR THE 49ERS IN 2024?

After the 49ers selected two wide receivers in the 2024 NFL draft, speculation has run rampant about a shift to a more pass-heavy offensive plan and one of the rookies seizing more playing time.

In 2023, the 49ers ranked 30th in passing attempts, throwing just over 52 percent of the time. However, the 49ers had a 54 to 45 percent run-pass ratio on first down. Twenty-one personnel (two running backs and one tight end) was the most utilized first-down grouping, at 42 percent. The second-highest personnel grouping was 11 personnel (three receivers, one tight end, and a running back), at 22 percent.

The two big dogs are Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, but Christian McCaffrey finished as the team’s reception leader with 86. George Kittle finished with the same amount of receptions as Samuel, with 73.

Is there an opening for a new third wide receiver to command more targets and receptions?

Jauan Jennings has earned his reputation as “third and Jauan” and is a phenomenal blocker. Twenty of Jennings’s 29 catches went for first downs, and Jennings primarily worked out of the slot, with 188 of his 326 receiving snaps coming inside. There is a world where Ricky Pearsall or Jacob Cowing can push their way onto the field in 2024.

Of the 49ers’ 979 plays in 2023, 376 came from 11 personnel, 31st in the NFL with a 38.4 percent clip. Only the Atlanta Falcons ran less out of 11 personnel at a 15.5 percent rate.

Let me be clear: I do not believe Jennings will be pulled off the field due to his role and importance overall. Unfortunately, there is a chance that Samuel will miss a game or two due to his physical nature. During Samuel’s absence in 2023, Ray-Ray McCloud had an increased role and was the fourth most utilized receiver, following Jennings with 155 passing snaps.

Any absence by Samuel could open the door for Pearsall or Cowing to be utilized more and prove their worth in the passing game. Twenty-nine receptions from Jennings isn’t a high bar to clear for one of the rookies. It will likely take Samuel missing games for the door to open, but if the 49ers increase their passing attempts, there are more targets to go around overall.

Pearsall profiles as a quarterback’s best friend who can get open in short areas and the middle of the field specifically. Cowing can stretch the field and threaten defenses over the top. Let’s not forget Brock Purdy can improve in his second full season under center, which could lead to Kyle Shanahan putting the ball in the Iowa State alum’s hands more.

The 49ers will still run the ball a lot, but I expect them to open things up more with Purdy’s ascension and the selection of two separators at the receiver position. Purdy and the 49ers offense were as efficient as it gets in 2023, but it still feels like the passing offense has one more level to unlock.

If 29 receptions are the bar to clear for Pearsall or Cowing, I’ll take the bet that either can exceed that number. Jennings will see an increase in targets and receptions if there is a passing increase, but I’m hopeful for a more wide-open offense that can open the door for one, if not both, of the 49ers new receivers.

2024-05-07T19:22:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd