The San Francisco 49ers have already hinted that they plan to run significantly more read-option plays on offense next season. But that doesn't mean they are going to completely neglect the passing game. In fact, upgrading the WR corps seems to be high on the off-season To-Do list for new head coach Jim Tomsula and offensive coordinator Geep Chryst. It is unknown whether or not the team will re-sign veteran pass catcher Michael Crabtree, but it does appear as if wide receiver will be a priority in the upcoming draft.
"The 49ers' offensive staff at the NFL combine included just three members: offensive coordinator Geep Chryst and wide receivers coaches Adam Henry and Ronald Curry," wrote Eric Branch of the San Francisco Gate.
"That offers a bit more evidence that wide receiver tops the 49ers' list of draft needs and they likely used plenty of their visits at the combine on speaking with players at that position.
"The 9ers could meet with up to 60 players at the combine. In Indianapolis, I learned of six prospects that had a formal sit-down with the team. Perhaps not surprisingly, three of the six were wide receivers."
Those three wide receivers were Phillip Dorsett, Dorial Green-Beckham and Josh Harper. The team has also reportedly spoken to defensive end Arik Armstead, cornerback Marcus Peters and tight end Clive Walford.
In his most recent mock draft, ESPN NFL Insider Mel Kiper Jr. had the 49ers selecting UCF wide receiver Breshad Perriman with the 15th overall pick.
"One of the bigger sleepers in the 2015 draft class at this point, Perriman is a player I've grown to really like as I've spent more time going through his tape," Kiper wrote. "At one time I had him as a likely second-round pick, but now I see him as a close call in terms of overall ability next to the top few wide receivers in this class. He's got size, and strength, and is going to run really fast at the combine and be a guy who can both stretch defenses vertically and also make plays over the middle and in traffic. He's also got great bloodlines, as I scouted his father (Brett) when he played for Miami. (Brett was really good in the NFL, too.) It's pretty obvious the 49ers are thin at wide receiver, and that's even if they bring back Michael Crabtree, which is no guarantee."
The Niners ranked just 30th in the NFL last season in passing yards per game (191.4). Adding some talent at the position would help get Colin Kaepernick back to the level he was playing at when San Fran played in the Super Bowl. The 49ers designed Kaepernick's extension in a way that makes it very simple for them to part ways with the QB after each season. Having more weapons around him and improving his play would be one way to avoid that scenario.
