San Francisco 49ers: Why the 49ers Need Another Wide Receiver

It's going to be interesting to see exactly how Jim Harbaugh utilizes all the weapons at his disposal with the San Francisco 49ers.

Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker in a double tight set with Frank Gore in the backfield is ideal for running the ball, but it also gives the 49ers two great pass catching tight ends to get the ball to.

Ronald Johnson, Kyle Williams and Ted Ginn Jr. will likely compete for the slot. All of them can also contribute on special teams. All of them were also brought in by current GM Trent Baalke. If there is an odd man out there, it's Ginn.

Williams and Johnson are both burners, who could both find a place on the field in a four wide set. Putting Johnson in the "Z" role gives them a deep threat on the outside, lets Williams step into the slot and leaves a space open for Davis, Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore to be on the field.

Mike Singletary wasn't an offensive minded coach. He didn't maximize the potential of the offense, to say the least. The 49ers have invested heavily in their offense, with three first-round offensive linemen, the highest drafted tight end in NFL history, a top-10 wide receiver selection and a first overall pick at quarterback.

The potential is there. So why then would they need to bring in another wide receiver? Ted Ginn Jr. is going to have a very tough time securing a spot, but there are two other receivers who might not have a future in San Francisco.

Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan are currently the No. 1 and No. 2 receivers for the 49ers and both have a questionable future with the team.

If you combined the two receivers, you may have something going. Crabtree has unlimited potential, but his lazy route running and perceived sense of entitlement are a cause for concern. He was drafted to be an elite possession receiver.

He's not fast enough to be a deep threat. He was a playmaker in clutch situations in college. His great hands and nose for the end zone were traits that made him very attractive coming out. He's approaching his third season. If he fails to haul in 60 catches next season, he's not the possession receiver the 49ers are looking for.

On the other hand, Morgan has an outstanding work ethic. He has underrated speed, but he's not going to blow by anyone. He's got solid hands and runs clean routes. He is a solid option as a No. 2 receiver, but his attributes don't complement Crabtree's.

There are plenty of receivers who could be on the market for a new team in the offseason. Sidney Rice, Chad Ochocinco and Vincent Jackson are just some of the names out there. All three would be an immediate upgrade at the position.

There are serious defensive holes that need to be filled. Trading away a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver is a highly controversial move. The offense struggled last season. Why trade away offensive weapons to fill defensive holes?

The 49ers can upgrade the wide receiver position through free agency and save money. Trading away an attractive prospect like Crabtree and filling a defensive need—like nose tackle—allows them to fill a glaring hole they cannot fill through free agency.

Cornerback should be fairly easy to fill as there are plenty of free agents on the market who could essentially step in immediately as the No. 1 corner. With no Aubrayo Franklin, Nate Clements or Crabtree, a ton of cap room is freed up.

The 49ers could trade for a nose or bring in a proven wideout, rather than one with untapped potential. They need a veteran possession receiver or a deep threat. Dealing Crabtree or Morgan allows them to have their cake and eat it too.