What To Expect From The 49ers Wide Receivers

Let's face it that a pass offense that was ranked 22nd in the league has plenty of room to improve.

However, that average may be a little misleading if you look at the different factors San Fransisco faced in 2009. First-round draft pick Michael Crabtree held out for half the season. Behind him, there wasn't an overly reliable receiver. The battle at the quarterback position had different guys throwing the ball in each game. It's hard to find any continuity with those scenarios. But will 2010 be any different?

Michael Crabtree

San Francisco took Michael Crabtree in the first round, haggled back and forth for half of the season over a contract and put him in a starting role when he finally signed. After all of the attention around his holdout, the team and its fans expected something good out of it.

He may have only had two touchdowns in 11 games, but his 13- yards per catch average was what allowed him to contribute. So, after going through off season activities and a full preseason with the team. It is safe to assume his impact will be even greater this year.

If Crabtree can be the go-to threat that he was while at Texas Tech, he can take some of the attention off of Vernon Davis, who has had to shoulder most of the receiving load for San Fransisco. Don't be surpised if we see a 1,000- yard, 10 touchdown season out of Crabtree.

Josh Morgan

Josh Morgan is in his third season out of Virgina Tech. He will most likely be the starter opposite of Crabtree.

While his 2009 statistics may not be anything spectacular (50 receptions, 527- yards, three touchdowns), he is the only receiver on the 49ers squad that is suitable for the position. If Crabtree proves to be the threat that the team expects him to be, Morgan may go against defenses that are focused entirely on Crabtree or Vernon Davis.

Most of Morgan's statistics nearly doubled after his rookie season, everyone can expect his achievements to further improve in his third season with the team.

Ted Ginn, Jr.

While Miami fans may have had high expectations for Ted Ginn after he was drafted early in 2007, three dismal years for the Dolphins have left little hope for what he can do in San Fransisco.

We know he is fast, but his poor route running skills are responsible for averaging only 34- yards per game and only 5 career receiving touchdowns. While he may not be a threat at receiver, he still has the ability to have a good kick or punt, which those were few and far between in Miami. If he is going to do anything this season, it will either be in the return game or as a slot/fourth receiver. Even if he lands in one of those positions, he will most likely just be useful for deep throws down the field.

Jason Hill

Jason Hill has done next to nothing in an injury filled 2009. He had nine receptions for 90- yards, not a whole lot can be expected out of Hill. Some say it will take a lot of luck to even make the team out of training camp. However, if he does stay on the the roster, Hill's best chance at doing anything will be as a gunner on special teams.

Kyle Williams

Kyle Williams is the only rookie that will likely make the squad.

Williams has the speed and agility that will make him a good return man or a slot receiver. He can compete with Ginn for those spots, which should make for an interesting training camp.

Brandon Jones

Brandon Jones had a decent four seasons with the Titans before landing in San Fransisco. His injury before the 2009 season derailed him from doing anything. If he has a decent training camp, he could be another competitor for the slot receiver spot. However, he will have to prove he still has the abilities that he had during his development in Tennessee.