Dante Pettis

Pettis' sophomore season can only be described as a total bust. The 2018 second-round pick began the campaign with plenty of buzz after flashing No. 1 wideout potential over a four-game showcase at the end of his rookie season (17 receptions, 338 yards and four touchdowns as a starter). Pettis was being groomed for the starting job opposite Marquise Goodwin, but his motivation was questioned by the coaching staff during training camp, and he was never able to seize the opportunity, quickly falling out of favor and finishing as a non-factor during San Francisco's impressive postseason run. The 24-year-old still has time to turn his career back in the right direction - and we have witnessed the raw talent he possesses - but he'll have to display improvement or risk missing the 53-man roster entirely.

Last year's 44th overall pick, Pettis had a quiet rookie season until Week 12 when he took over as the team's No. 1 target. From Weeks 12-15, before he sprained his MCL in Week 16, Pettis went 26-17-338-4 with backup quarterback Nick Mullens, putting him in the running to be the team's top wideout in 2019. All told, Pettis finished with 17.3 YPC and 10.4 YPT, numbers that would put him among the league leaders had he qualified. At 6-1, 195, Pettis is on the slight side, but he ran a 4.48 at his pro day and is quick enough to line up in the slot or play outside. He's not much of a red-zone target - only five of his 45 looks were in that area - but he's a deep threat and a dangerous player in space. The Niners also return 2017 leading receiver Marquise Goodwin, drafted WR Deebo Samuel in the second round, have one of the league's top tight ends in George Kittle and should get passing-game production from their speedy backs. There are suddenly a lot more mouths to feed, but Pettis is the best bet to be their top wideout.

The 2018 second-round pick doesn't possess the prototypical size (6-1) or speed that you'd expect from a player taken this high in the draft. It was his home-run hitting ability in the return game that caught the 49ers' attention, after scoring nine touchdowns on just 90 punt returns during his college career. Pettis figures to take over that return-specialist role with his new club off the bat, but a strong camp (or an injury) could open up a path for the rookie to make an impact as a slot receiver this year.