Mike Wallace vs. Marques Colston: Who's a Better Fit for San Francisco 49ers?

This offseason we have to expect the San Francisco 49ers to upgrade their receiving corps. Whether it's via free agency or the draft, the Niners must improve in the passing game to become a more complete team.

Here, let's break down Mike Wallace and Marques Colston to determine who's a better fit for Alex Smith and Co.

Mike Wallace

Arguably the best deep threat in pro football, Mike Wallace averaged 19.4 yards per reception as a rookie in 2009, 21.0 yards per catch in 2010 and 16.6 per catch in 2011.

Wallace has reeled in 171 passes, scored 24 touchdowns and gained over 3,200 yards in his three-year career. He's used primarily for stretching defenses and putting double moves on any defensive back covering him.

His production, though, could have been much better had quarterback Ben Roethlisberger been given more time to throw. Pittsburgh's pass protection has lacked for quite some time, which means receivers have less time to develop their routes.

Still, Wallace managed to earn a Pro Bowl selection in 2011. He also catching nine passes for 89 yards in Super Bowl XLV, meaning he brings postseason experience to a team that's just learning how to win at a high rate.

Wallace can blaze a defense as fast as Ted Ginn Jr., but he's also a truly developed receiver. This will take pressure off Frank Gore and the ground game, because defenses won't be overloading the box to stop the run.

Marques Colston

In his six NFL seasons, all with the New Orleans Saints, Marques Colston gained over 1,000 receiving yards five times and caught a total of 449 passes.

Now, Colston is not the downfield speedster like Wallace, but he's just as reliable with any route on the field. Colston's size allows him to be a solid target over the middle and he's able to effectively get yards after the catch.

Unlike the Steelers, quarterback Drew Brees has had the luxury of great pass protection. This has allowed Colston that little extra time to run his designated route or adjust to the coverage mid-play.

Colston has more postseason experience than Wallace. Colston has played in eight postseason games, including a win over Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLIV. Wallace has just three to his name, including a Super Bowl loss to Green Bay. 

Perhaps the most impressive part of Colston's game, though, are his sure hands. He had the best catch percentage of any Saints receiver at 74 percent. Although not everyone gets the same number of targets, it's essential to be as reliable for a team that throws as much as New Orleans does.

Who's the Better Fit?

It's a close debate, but Mike Wallace is the better all-around fit for San Francisco.

The 49ers already have a set of receivers that can go over the middle and on occasion stretch a defense. Michael Crabtree began the season slow, but finished strong and has the quickness to catch a slant while making a few defenders miss.

Provided he can get healthy, Josh Morgan is a reliable possession receiver anywhere on the field. Include tight end Vernon Davis, and all the 49ers are missing is a legitimately dominant and consistent deep target.

Colston is reliable and would improve San Francisco, but he still can't force a defense to back off like Wallace. Alex Smith has the arm and mobility to get the ball to Wallace downfield.

Regardless of what the 49ers do this offseason, adding one or both of these guys can only help.

John Rozum on Twitter.