San Francisco 49ers: Who Is Joe Hastings and What Should We Expect?

The San Francisco 49ers have officially signed wide receiver Joe Hastings to their roster from the practice squad to fill the void left by the departure of Braylon Edwards. So, who is this guy and what should we expect from him?

Joe Hastings was signed as a rookie free agent out of little ol' Washburn State by the 49ers. He was then cut by the team and signed to their practice squad when he cleared waivers (that means nobody wanted him). 

This could lead me to think that there might not be much Hastings can bring to the table to help the 49ers moving forward, but I decided to dig a bit deeper in the hopes of finding out why head coach Jim Harbaugh would choose him over a skilled veteran.

Hastings, at 6'0" and weighing in at only 185 pounds, isn't exactly a physical presence that will intimidate his opposition. He isn't a burner, either. So, what does he do well?

Matt Barrows, beat writer for the Sacramento Bee, had this to say about Hastings, back when the 49ers signed him to the practice squad in September:

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The former Washburn receiver wasn't as big as fellow undrafted rookie Chris Hogan nor as fast as Tyler Beiler. But he was quick, ran excellent routes and was not slowed by injuries like Hogan and Dontavia Bogan. Hastings often challenged the first-team defense in practice, which will be his main role this season.

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Niners quarterback Alex Smith seems to think Hastings will be a good addition as well, saying:

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I feel good about Joe. Joe's a guy that just works extremely hard. Obviously had him here all through camp and then when he's got his chances throughout the season just to jump in in reps in practice, does it. For quite a few weeks now pregame, to keep the other guys' legs good, he and I go out early and throw quite a bit. So, feel good about Joe. I think that if that's the way the direction ends up going, feel good about him stepping up and that he'll be ready.

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Hastings has been with the team all season long, and he has given the first-team defense some trouble in practice. He knows the playbook and has developed chemistry with Alex Smith. Don't be surprised if he plays well for the team going forward. 

The wide receiver position has been an area of concern all season long for the 49ers. Now that Delanie Walker, Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams are banged up, the concerns are magnified.

Hastings will get his chance, along with Brett Swain, to make these concerns disappear with strong performances. 

Stay tuned for the final game of the NFL season, as the 49ers travel to square off against familiar foes, the St. Louis Rams.

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