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

George Kittle will likely be Garoppolo's top target, but there's talent on the outside.

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.