Coming into the 2018 season there was optimism around the 49ers receiver group.
Dante Pettis was the only real addition via the draft to a corps consisting of Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, and Trent Taylor but with Jimmy Garoppolo throwing the ball, the group was expected to contribute greatly. Garçon was returning from injury and expected to be Jimmy’s security blanket.
Marquise Goodwin enjoyed a mini-breakout during 2017’s five-game winning streak to close the season and the hope was that he would continue to grow and flourish in the offense. Taylor had the inside path to starting slot receiver and Pettis was brought in to help stretch the field and provide big-play opportunities. A mixture of injuries, quarterback play, and sub-par play all contributed to the underwhelming performance of the unit.
Kendrick Bourne leading all wide receivers in catches and yards is far from ideal. Bourne finished with 42 catches on 61 targets for a catch rate of 63.6 percent. Add in 487 receiving yards and four touchdowns and Bourne showed progression this season which the team hopes will continue into 2019.
Taylor was an absolute no-show this season as he struggled to return to form after offseason back surgery. Taylor stated he will spend the offseason in San Jose and should be ready for OTAs at full strength.
Garçon was lost to injury also but wasn’t producing even when healthy. There are whispers that Garçon will be a cap casualty this offseason. Marquise Goodwin dealt with injuries and personal issues this season while posting 23 catches, 395 yards, and four touchdowns. Goodwin’s 23 catches were one less than Garcon’s total for the season. Goodwin played 11 games, Garcon played only eight. Goodwin popped off the screen at times this season but never with any consistency. Still, games like the MNF game against the Packers in week six show what Goodwin is capable of when putting it all together.
Pettis showed flashes of brilliance in limited time as he dealt with injuries too. Pettis missed 7 games in total due to injury but from Weeks 12-15, he compiled 17 catches, 338 yards and 4 touchdowns which includes a five catch, 129 yard, and two touchdown performance in Seattle. Dante also posted 17.3 yards per catch which were good for second in the league among rookie receivers. His five touchdowns tied for the team lead with George Kittle.
The obvious upgrade is Antonio Brown, but sending a first-round draft pick seems short-sighted especially given Brown’s age. Tyrell Williams is someone that can be added without breaking the bank. Williams is a big body receiver, has produced on this level (1,000-yard season) and could help solve the team’s red zone issues.
Without a WR1 that at least demands some attention, defenses will key in on George Kittle and force the other playmakers to beat them. Hopefully, Pettis and Goodwin will be ready to deliver in 2019.
