As San Francisco builds an offense around quarterback, Washington Football new rookie receiver Dante Pettis could win NFL Rookie of the year
The San Francisco 49ers traded up to the 44thoverall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to select former Washington Football wide receiver Dante Pettis. The immediate conclusion? The 49ers clearly have high expectations for him. Pettis, along with Jimmy Garoppolo are going to try to lead a youth movement for a 9ers team that hasn’t seen the playoffs since 2013.
Pettis will get a chance to shine next to talented wide receivers like Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor and Pierre Garcon. And there is plenty of reason to expect that passing game to explode in the 2018 NFL season. Yes, there is that cannon of a quarterback’s arm under center. But what of the running game?
Running on empty
Outside of Jerick McKinnon, there are major questions at running back for the 49ers. It looks like Jeremy McNichols and Joe Williams will be competing for the number two slot with Matt Breida. While any of the three could surprise this season, you cannot believe the 49ers are planning to run the ball much. Without a true running threat, the 49ers may opt to manufacture run-like offensive plays with possession passing. That lines up with Pettis’ strengths.
With George Kittle and Garrett Celek at tight end, Pettis should be able to see his fair share of work. Look for him to start early and often with the Niners, and to see a lot of targets. Pettis has deceptive speed, and incredible hands, which will quickly make him Jimmy Garoppolo’s best friend. To read more on Dante’s full scouting report, check mine out here.
Tough get going
The 49ers have a pretty tough schedule this year when it comes to opposing secondaries, but don’t expect Pettis to face the opposition’s number one corner every week. This will work to his advantage, since San Fran are going to have to face highly lauded defensive backs by the names of Casey Hayward, Xavier Rhodes, Patrick Peterson, Marcus Peters and more.
Working against some number two or even number three corners will put Pettis in line for some huge weeks. Jimmy Garoppolo will have a field day with some of those corners, and Pettis, who is great on comebacks and inside breaking routes, will get his fair share of targets.
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He’s the complete package
Dante Pettis proved throughout his Washington Football career to be a very reliable target. He is a wide receiver with modest claims and excellent hands. It’s that rare combination of expressing himself on the field which will point Jimmy Garoppolo in his direction. Pettis had 116 catches and 22 touchdowns over his final two years as a Husky. Those are solid numbers.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Garoppolo will also be able to utilize Pettis’ size in 2018. Pettis is taller than every starting receiver on the Niners roster from 2017 except Louis Murphy, who started just seven games. Adding Pettis’ size and reach will give Jimmy Garoppolo a legitimate threat outside the numbers. The quick receivers on the inside are great, but Pettis should see a ton of action going vertical and working the sidelines.
…will make you Jump Jump!
Pettis has exceptional leaping ability. At the Husky Combine/Pro Day, he measured in with a 41 inch vertical. That will also help Garoppolo in a major way. Kyle Shanahan sees Pettis as a weapon he can utilize in many ways. “We think Pettis does a little bit of everything…He’s a guy that brings a lot of versatility to our team.” Also, while he didn’t run at the NFL Combine, keep in mind he consistently ran a high 4.3, low 4.4 40-yard dash.
Don’t Forget Special Teams
Pettis will deliver a significant impact in the punt return game as well. This young man has a way of gliding on returns to optimize each block and then burst through the open lane. In the NFL, a solid punt return can mean the difference between a playoff team and a team looking at the NFL Draft board by Thanksgiving Day.
Expect a touchdown in the return game, or maybe even two. The 49ers are desperately in need of a boost there; they haven’t had a punt return TD since 2011. If the NCAA’s all-time leader in punt return TD’s can do what he did with Washington, the 49ers will be set on special teams.
Outshine the competition
Combining all these factors, Pettis has a great chance at the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Yes, Saquon Barkley is going to be great, but that New York Giants line is still unproven. Besides, Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman looks to have a big year too. Still, those are running backs. The passing game highlight reels are already earmarked for Garappolo. And that translates into lots of favorable press coverage for Pettis. But is that enough for NFL OROY?
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Early conversations may not include him. Still, any 49ers success will turn the national spotlight his way. And don’t forget about Pettis in this conversation though, especially in your fantasy football leagues. Look for him to catch six or seven touchdowns this season. And despite his rookie status, he will haul in between 700-800 yards receiving. Combining that with a couple hundred return yards and say one touchdown sounds like ROY numbers to me.