The 49ers: Stiff Competition At Wide Receiver

There is stiff competition for the final roster spots at the Wide Receiver position for the San Francisco 49ers.  Last season the 49ers broke camp carrying six receivers, but only three RB's, one FB and two TE's.  In the 2010 season, we could see an additional roster spot taken in each of those three spots, so there is a chance that the Niners only carry five WR's.

The top three receivers, Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Ted Ginn look like locks to make the team, but the other two spots are up for grabs among several talented players.

The candidates for the final two, or at most three, roster spots are Jason Hill, Dominique Zeigler, Brandon Jones and Kyle Williams.  The other receivers are likely training camp fodder or at best Practice Squad personnel.

With a roster size limit of 53 players, my guess is that the 49ers will break camp with only five WR's this year.  The recent acquisition of Brian Westbrook is also one less roster spot available. 

Jason Hill is my odds on favorite to claim one of the remaining spots as he has generally produced when he has been given the chance. Hill is entering his fourth year in the league and has a total of 40 catches over his past three seasons, with 30 of those coming in 2008.

The final spot is totally up for grabs. Zeigler has played well at times, Jones has very good speed and can be a deep threat, while Williams could make the team based on his kickoff and punt return ability.  Williams was impressive against the Colts' with two solid kickoff returns and an excellent punt return of 36 yards, prior to suffering a sprained toe.

Brandon Jones was acquired last season and must truly distinguish himself in the next few weeks, or he will likely be gone. Jones has not performed well and does not seem to be able to stay on the field, due to a continuing string of injuries.

Zeigler, appears to be the man on the bubble.  He has spent the better part of the past three seasons as a member of the eight-player practice squad. If the 49ers go with six receivers, Zeigler likely makes the team. However, my guess is that they will only keep five. 

Tight end Delanie Walker can also shift over as a wideout in certain formations, so six receivers may be too big a luxury for the Niners.  Zeigler will need to play very well in the coming weeks to earn his spot.  The other scenario that favors Zeigler is if Kyle Williams' toe injury, which is likely to keep him sidelined for only the next two preseason games, lingers, causing him to miss a lot more time.

This is a positional battle worth keeping an eye on for the remainder of camp.