San Francisco 49ers: 4 Options to Replace Michael Crabtree

Ricardo Lockette

Jul 31, 2011; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (2) catches a pass during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike Lloyd, Ricardo Lockette has a paucity of experience. However, he doesn’t lack talent.

Lockette, who also lived with Kaepernick and Jenkins for two months, caught two passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in 2011 with the Seattle Seahawks. Lockette went to Fort Valley State, and he didn’t do much there or with the Seahawks. The former track champion is extremely raw, but he has the ability to help the team.

Harbaugh seems to think Lockette can be an impact player, and others think he can take over a game as well. The track star ran a blazing 4.34 40-yard dash, weighs 211 pounds and is 6’2″, so the physical tools are there. Lockette averaged a stellar 12.83 yards per catch in college, and he averaged 14.6 yards per catch in 2008.

While Lockette was inconsistent and didn’t put up great numbers in college, he can blow by corners and make catches, which will allow him to blossom into a difference-maker. If Lockette can prove to be consistent, he’ll help. Boldin will likely take the opponent’s best defensive back, which would allow Lockette to benefit from favorable matchups against weaker defensive backs.

Don’t expect Lockette to become the next Calvin Johnson, and don’t expect him to contribute consistently or emerge as Kaepernick’s top target. However, expect Lockette to see the field a lot, and don’t be surprised if he blossoms into one of San Francisco’s better receivers.

Lockette isn’t likely to snatch Crabtree’s spot and keep it, but he is likely to contribute and even potentially take over games. Lockette is someone to keep an eye on, as he can develop into a key asset with proper coaching and a good work ethic.