San Francisco 49ers: Four players to watch in preseason opener
![CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after the 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14 at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after the 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14 at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7d546ec0d62328f6316775b2deb1369ff8e85225abd83326723264b892f4a07f.jpg)
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.