Do the 49ers Need a Vertical Threatening Wide Receiver?

It is a dynamic on the offense that the 49ers haven't had since Marquise Goodwin, and one that could give them a nice boost.

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) huddles / Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

There are some areas on the San Francisco 49ers that need improvement.

However, when it comes to the offense, there isn't really much for the 49ers to improve upon. It is an offense that fielded five All-Pro players and a quarterback who was an MVP candidate this past season. That is why the 49ers never went after any impact offensive free agents.

They don't need it. There isn't much for the 49ers to improve on aside from the players already rostered. Or is there? One element that is lacking in the 49ers' offense is a speedy vertical threatening wide receiver. The 49ers haven't had that since Marquise Goodwin.

Danny Gray was supposed to be that, but he never was able to find his footing and breakthrough. Had he panned out, then the 49ers would've had a new dynamic to attack and confuse defenses with. They could very well look for their speedster in the upcoming NFL draft.

So, do the 49ers need a vertical threatening wide receiver?

Absolutely. It is one area that the 49ers do not have and could really benefit from having in their offense. Just because Gray didn't work out, it doesn't mean the 49ers should stay away from trying again with a vertical threatening receiver.

The offense already has it all as it is. They have a stout running back, a trio of excellent receivers, a great tight end, and of course a sweet quarterback. All that is missing is someone to take the top off a defense to open things up or for the 49ers to outright take a shot deep.

Adding this caliber of a receiver should hopefully end any plays with Deebo Samuel going deep like he did as often in the Super Bowl. That is NOT his game. Brandon Aiyuk is capable, but it isn't an elite trait of his either. They could use someone who is incredibly fast and specializes in it.

Doing so will improve the offense and give them a new pitch to throw at defenses to make them more efficient.