Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus recently ranked all 32 receiving corps around the NFL as teams gear up for the 2023 season. The ranking encompasses the entire group of receiving targets, not just wide receivers. That means it includes impactful tight ends and even running backs.
The Cincinnati Bengals' group, which includes Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, grabbed the top spot. The Philadelphia Eagles, backed by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and Miami Dolphins, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, follow it. Fourth on the list are the San Francisco 49ers.
"There are so many receiving weapons to choose from in the Niners offense," wrote Sikkema. "They have Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at the receiver positions, George Kittle at tight end, and now Christian McCaffrey out of the backfield. From Week 7 on — when they acquired McCaffrey — the 49ers earned the highest team receiving grade in the league at 87.3."
The 49ers' placement in the ranking is a slight bump up from their No. 6 ranking last year.
Samuel had a breakout campaign in 2021 when he amassed 1,770 total yards and 14 total touchdowns. While 2022 was a letdown compared to those gaudy numbers, Brandon Aiyuk stepped up with his first career 1,000-yard campaign that included a career-high eight touchdowns.
McCaffrey racked up 1,210 total yards and 10 total touchdowns after the Carolina Panthers shipped him to San Francisco, contributing to his 1,880-total-yard and 13-touchdown (14 if you count the touchdown pass) 2022 campaign.
The 49ers have a lot of talent on offense, making things easier for their quarterback—whoever that ends up being. Right now, it looks like Brock Purdy might be healthy in time for the start of the regular season. If he isn't, it will be Trey Lance and Sam Darnold competing to be the Week 1 starter.
