With competition for No. 1 role, here’s how 49ers’ wide receivers stack up

Jimmy Garoppolo’s favored 2019 target will likely be George Kittle, unless NFL defenses have come up with an answer for the record-setting tight end.

But the 49ers’ stable of “wideouts with real potential” hasn’t been this robust in recent memory.

Here’s a rundown:

DANTE PETTIS
2nd year out of Washington

Strengths: His knack for making plays (five touchdowns on 27 catches) comes with a unique, long stride that surprises cornerbacks.

Weaknesses: His size and physicality required attention this offseason, and he must still prove he has the passion and mentality for over-the-middle catches.

Expectation: He may not emerge as a dynamic No. 1 threat but he’ll improve and be hard to take off the field en route to a 65-catch season.

DEEBO SAMUEL
Rookie out of South Carolina

Strengths: Physicality with a thick lower body helps him rack up YAC (yards after the catch).

Weaknesses: He’s a rookie in a complex scheme so don’t bank on him becoming the first 49er to win the Associated Press’ NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Expectation: He’ll definitely factor into the receiver rotation and could become a mainstay by midseason. Anything over 40 or 50 catches is a bonus.

MARQUISE GOODWIN
7th year out of Texas

Strengths: He’s so fast he won a 40-yard, $1 million challenge this summer, and he’s expanding his versatility and leadership.

Weaknesses: Leg injuries and concussions prompt durability concerns. Will his 2020 Olympic ambitions interfere with 49ers commitments?

Expectation: Shanahan penciled out a more specialized role for his best down-field threat, but don’t rule him out as a full-time starter capable of 1,000 yards.

TRENT TAYLOR
3rd year out of Louisiana Tech

Strengths: He developed into a productive slot receiver as a rookie with his ability to separate at the line and run precise routes.

Weaknesses: Back surgery last summer took its toll on him and he’s already out to start the 2019 after preseason surgery on his foot.

Expectation: After returning from his injury, he locks down the slot job, doubles as the punt returner and contributes with more than 40 receptions.

Jalen Hurd. TOUGH.

(via @nflnetwork)pic.twitter.com/1h5VLui2T0

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 11, 2019

JALEN HURD
Rookie out of Baylor

Strengths: The 49ers spent a third-round pick hoping the 6-foot-5 Hurd would provide versatility at receiver and possibly tight end or H-back. His physicality early in camp drew commendations – from his coach, not the defense.

Weaknesses: The former running back only converted to receiver two years ago, so his routes and pass-catching ability need refining.

Expectation: A history of knee and head injuries is concerning, as is his learning curve, but any reps will be helpful toward a bigger role in 2020.

KENDRICK BOURNE
3rd year out of Eastern Washington

Strengths: Coaches covet his hustle to dart downfield on pass and run plays. He led all 49ers wide receivers last season in receptions (42) and yards (487).

Weaknesses: His routes could be more refined, and his number of social media selfies could be reduced.

Expectation: He is a 6-foot-1 Energizer Bunny who’s made enough strides and shown enough passion that he could stick as a reserve.