This past football season <a href="http://www.authentic49ersshop.com/shop-by-players-aaron-burbridge-jersey-c-1_2.html">Aaron Burbridge Jersey</a> was one of the worst for 49ers’ wide receivers in quite some time. Previous general manager, Trent Baalke, decided to overlook their glaring need at the position last offseason. He didn’t draft a wide receiver until the sixth round with Aaron Burbridge. He also didn’t sign a big name at the position until right before the season started when they added their unexpected receiving leader, Jeremy Kerley. On the other hand, tight ends Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek combined for an impressive 741 yards and seven touchdowns. The two aren’t by any means at the top of the league at their position, but they are certainly one of the strengths of the team. I expect them to improve in an enhanced Kyle Shanahan offense.

Washington Redskins

Garcon is yet to total more than 59 receiving yards in a game this season. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers could be without two of their top three wide receivers from the 2016 season. They released Torrey Smith and have not yet re-signed Quinton Patton or Rod Streater opening up addition salary cap space for incoming players. However, they will keep the highly under-appreciated receiver Jeremy Kerley who led the 49ers in receiving yards and receptions. Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, who marked two of Kyle Shanahan’s first big acquisitions, will join Kerley and the other wide receivers. Pierre <a href="http://www.authenticbillsstore.com/shop-by-players-adolphus-washington-jersey-c-1_3.html">Adolphus Washington Jersey</a> Garcon looks to help improve the 49ers’ league worst passing offense that averaged just 181.9 yards per game. Garcon has accumulated 3,916 yards over the past four seasons and already has two seasons of experience with coach Kyle Shanahan. Goodwin is coming off of his best season with the Buffalo Bills where he had 431 yards and three touchdowns. He is still a young player with room to grow and should help fill the deep threat hole left by Torrey Smith. The rest of the wide receiver depth chart is generally young and unproven.

The tight end situation should look very similar to last season but with a bit more experience. Breakout performer Vance McDonald earned a nice bump in salary as he led the 49ers in receiving touchdowns with four, all of which seemed so important on a team that really struggled to score through the air. He is now the seventh highest paid player on the roster. Garrett Celek will also remain on the team who had the third most<a href="http://www.authenticbroncosshop.com/shop-by-players-adam-gotsis-jersey-c-1_39.html">http://www.authenticbroncosshop.com/shop-by-players-adam-gotsis-jersey-c-1_39.html</a>  receptions and fourth most yards among receivers. Blake Bell will look to grow in his second year and backup Logan Paulsen was added in free agency as insurance.

The receiving core seems improved from last year, which isn’t saying much. However, I expect the 49ers to add a playmaking receiver as early as the second round in the upcoming draft. There is no receiver truly worth selecting at second overall so unless they wanted to trade down, which general manger John Lynch has said he is open to, the 49ers will likely wait until the early second round to add another weapon for Brian Hoyer. Top wide receivers John Ross (Washington) or Mike Williams (Clemson) could very possibly fall to the early second round where San Francisco could snag them for a great pickup. If not Curtis Samuel (Ohio State) or Chris Godwin (Penn State) could be sneaky picks if chosen instead. The 49ers do not have a need for a tight end in the draft since signing Paulsen so there is little reason to believe that they might add one.

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