2018 Fantasy Football Rookie Roundup: San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers didn’t expend a whole heck of a lot of middling draft capital on fantasy football-relevant players. Sure, they bolstered their offensive like with OT Mike McGlinchey, and they spend a decently high pick on second-round wide receiver Dante Pettis, but they did not snag another offensive player in the draft except seventh-round WR Richie James. This makes sense, as they already rebuilt their offensive weaponry, getting Jimmy Garoppolo, Jerick McKinnon, Marquise Goodwin, Pierre Garcon, George Kittle, Trent Taylor and Kyle Juszczyk since the end of the 2016 season. You notice three wideouts, a receiving tight end, and a pass-heavy FB. The 49ers only added two pass catchers here, so you can guess where this is going.

 

Dante Pettis, Wide Receiver (Round Two)
There are some, like the Rookie Scouting Portfolio’s Matt Waldman, who think that Pettis is the best wide receiver prospect in the draft. Others aren’t so bullish on Pettis. It really depends on how you perceive his traits translating to the NFL. He’s speedy, quick and shifty. He is somewhat undersized for an outside receiver but is extremely talented despite his shortcomings. He will primarily be the San Francisco 49ers return man in 2018 but has to earn his snaps at wide receiver this year.

It’s likely he becomes the hot week six pick up when Pierre Garcon goes down. He is a decent stash in a deep enough league, but not someone you should go out of your way to acquire. Don’t forget how Jimmy G made Marquise Goodwin suddenly amazing out of nowhere last year. Pettis is better than Goodwin, he just needs the opportunity.

TALENT:
OPPORTUNITY:
2018 OUTLOOK:

 

Richie James, Wide Receiver (Round Seven)
Before we get to his skill level, copy and paste everything I said about Pettis and his opportunity but put Pettis ahead of James in the pecking order. It’s no guarantee he makes the 53, and will likely be practice squad fodder headed into the season. I’m sure he’s a really nice guy, though. Though you can’t really trust someone with two first names. Especially since Richie James is just Rick James in disguise. Don’t draft him, blouses.

TALENT:
OPPORTUNITY:
2018 OUTLOOK:

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