San Francisco 49ers: Four players to watch in preseason opener

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver Dante Pettis #8 of the Washington Huskies runs with the football after a reception ahead of defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos #99 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Dante Pettis, Wide Receiver

Add another rookie out of Lynch and Shanahan’s recent draft class to keep an eye on. The 49ers traded up in the second round to draft Dante Pettis and early indications are that this might be the steal of the draft.

Pettis is having a great start during camp. It was initially thought he would make the team for his punt returning abilities (Pettis broke the NCAA record with nine career punt returns for touchdowns). But now, Pettis has thrown his name into the conversation as the team’s fourth receiver.

Pettis is competing with Kendrick Bourne, Aldrick Robinson, Victor Bolden Jr, and fellow rookie Richie James for the final few receiver slots. Pettis has shown big-play ability in practice with his jab step that instantly creates separation from coverage corners and has led to touchdowns for the offense.

Don’t expect Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin to see much more of the field than what Garoppolo plays. Expect Pettis to lineup with Bourne and Bolden once the second stringers come into the game.

Pettis should play well into the first half and his incredible route running should open the door for big plays with C.J. Beathard.