2012 NFL Draft: Do the 49ers Have Their Future Wide Receiving Tandem?

In the 2009 and 2012 NFL Drafts, the San Francisco 49ers selected wide receivers in the first round. They are Michael Crabtree and A.J. Jenkins.

Both had consistent and polished collegiate careers to earn their first-round status, and both will be looking to solidify their place in the NFL this season.

For the past decade, San Francisco has failed to produce a 1,000-yard pass-catcher at the wide receiver position. Terrell Owens was the last to reach the milestone in 2003, which is another reason 49ers fans would like someone new to set the mark. 

The 49ers have a great looking group of receivers on paper going into the 2012 season, but a number of them are on short-term deals. The future of the wide receiving corps in the Bay Area isn't as clear a picture as, say, the linebacking group. 

Most NFL teams prefer to have an established one-two punch at receiver—two viable starters for the single back and I-formations that require them. There hasn't been a strong tandem since Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in Arizona, and now a lot of teams are forced to depend on wide receiver by committee.  

The hope in San Francisco is that beyond Randy Moss, and maybe Ted Ginn Jr. and Mario Manningham, Crabtree and Jenkins can develop into a formidable duo. 

Crabtree (24) and Jenkins (22) are young and fresh enough to grow together in this league. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are a few years apart, but look at the chemistry they've conjured up and the tandem they've become. 

Looking at their physical attributes and style, Crabtree and Jenkins actually complement one another quite well. Jenkins is a strong, fast downfield threat while Crabtree excels at moving the chains. And both receivers have the dependable hands to be entrenched as starters going forward.

Jenkins' ability to stretch the field will open things up for Crabtree underneath. In situations where the 49ers will need a first down and eyes are on Crabtree to move the chains, Jenkins will be able to get behind defenses for a backbreaking play downfield. 

They are also versatile enough to play any WR spot, whether it be the X, Y or Z. The 49ers like to have that ability to rotate their guys around and keep the matchups fresh. Crabtree should like the Jenkins pick because he brings with him a skill set that differs from his own. 

Speed and the ability to stretch the field is not something that Crabtree is known for, so having Jenkins will allow No. 15 to stay on the field and stick to what he is good at.

Jenkins should also be thrilled knowing that he comes in to fill a role that no else in San Francisco can. The job is basically there for his taking because the Niners want him to be the guy, so they will do everything to make sure he is. 

In my opinion, either one of them is capable of being the 49ers' next thousand-yard pass-catcher. However, with his ability to get downfield and create chunk plays, Jenkins would probably be the safest bet after this year. 

The way Crabtree and Jenkins complement one another should not go ignored because it was something likely noted by the 49ers' front office on draft day. 

I would pay close attention to the reps that feature Jenkins and Crabtree as the primary receivers because that is a tandem fans could be getting used to in the future. Between their first round status, intangibles and adoration from the coaching staff and front office, we could see a lot from No. 15 and No. 17 beyond 2012.

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