Intrigue at WR? "That's San Francisco!"

Since the departure of Terrell Owens, the 49ers have been as infamous at WR as they had once been famous.

For years, rookies have tried to come in and make an impact. Veterans have signed up to try and make their comebacks while garnering big contracts.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, not many of those veterans and young players have worked out too well.

Most of the veterans came and went, and not many of the young players have lived up to expectations.

Something however, happened in 2008.

Razzle dazzle 'em

Glimmers and glimpses of incredible ability at WR were sprinkled here and there throughout the 2008 season.

"Wow!", "I don't believe it!", "Incredible!", were long-lost phrases from the mouths of 49ers fans. Abilities of a forgotten era were beginning to reemerge once more.

Issac Bruce was largely the reason. As an ageless veteran, he stepped into the starting lineup, eager to prove that he still can bring "Issac Bruce" football to the field. He did just that with 835 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008.

It wasn't just the success of Issac Bruce that caught fans' attention.

In his 2008 rookie season, Josh Morgan had shown raw burst, quickness, strength and just plain-old ability, all within a high-character package, the likes of which haven't existed around 49er headquarters since, well, a long time ago.

The point is not to compare him with anybody else, the point is that the 49ers are seemingly breathing a sigh of relief because they might have actually found a young guy who can really play.

A very unfortunate staph infection at the very beginning of the 2008 season caused Morgan to lose over 15 pounds (of muscle) and have to take a step back.

As a result of this setback, his numbers were greatly affected and hence he still remains under the radar.

But he showed fans just enough, to give them a reason to be more exited about the 49ers WR position then they have for some time.

But of course, Josh Morgan isn't the only "“razzle-dazzle" in town.

Crabtree

We want Crabtree

C-R-A-B-T-R-double-E

"And, ooh, what luck, 'Cause here he is."

The 49ers must have been elated that Michael Crabtree was available at No. 10 overall in last April's NFL draft.

In fact, 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan had a pre-draft interview where he was quoted as wanting Crabtree the most.

But why did his value fall? The magic of the "markets" are never wrong, right?

Wrong.

As the entire world has learned over the past year, determining "value" is not an exact science. A rumor here, some gossip there, can send stock spiraling.

There was a rumor that Crabtree did not have "elite" speed.

There was also a rumor floating around that all Crabtree cares about is expensive things, cashmere coats, diamond rings, but if you ask him, all he cares about is love; of the game of football of course.

And his former college football coach Mike Leach, goes apoplectic when he hears such "
"diva" insults tossed in Crabtree's direction.

My gut feeling is that people probably assumed Crabtree is not fast enough, and was part of an infamous "college system" that put up big numbers. I think the "diva" thing is just a fun way for the media to create more intrigue and stories...

"Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, yes, Crabtree, is a diva, oh, yes, diva, oh, yes, oh yes, he's a diva, diva, diva, diva. Understandable, comprehensible, it's so defensible."

Sigh...

Whatever the case may be, Crabtree brings instant intrigue as one of the most prolific college wide receivers to ever play the game.

The 49ers have needed a shot in the arm like this at WR for years. They are jumping for joy. They are kissing the ground and thanking their lucky stars.

There is just one problem of course.

Where is he going to play???

In the immediate future, he is up against a very productive veteran in Isaac Bruce, and another young upstart with an entire year's experience who even appears to be his mirror image, in Josh Morgan.

At least as a rookie, it looks like Crabtree is the odd man out.

Sure he will see playing time, but when push comes to shove, and you need to win a game, how much rookie experimenting are the 49ers going to be willing to put up with?

All that jazz

Another training camp is just around the corner, and for the first time in a long time, there will be some excitement at the WR position for the 49ers.

How will the drama unfold?

Maybe neither receiver will pan out. Maybe both will be All-Pro's.

Anticipation. Excitement.

And that's good.

Isn't it grand? Isn't it great? Isn't it swell?

Isn't it fun?

Isn't it?

But nothing stays. In years or so its gonna change, you know. But, oh, it's heaven nowadays.