Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Trevor Sikkema recently unveiled the analytics site's rankings of NFL receiving corps heading into the 2025 season. Surprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers landed near the top of the list despite major questions surrounding their wide receiver group.
The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason, and Brandon Aiyuk is expected to miss the start of the season as he recovers from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in October. The team's depth will be put to the test early in the season.
Fan-favorite Jauan Jennings and second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall are the likely Week 1 starters. They're backed by Jacob Cowing, who has just four career receptions, and rookie fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins.
The 49ers also added veteran wideout Demarcus Robinson, though he may begin the season serving a three-game suspension.
So, where did this uncertain group rank? PFF placed the 49ers at No. 5, behind only the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions.
Why the high ranking despite so much uncertainty? According to Sikkema, part of the answer lies in San Francisco's versatile All-Pro running back, Christian McCaffrey.
"The 49ers' receiving corps is an unknown, given Brandon Aiyuk's recovery from ACL and MCL tears and Christian McCaffrey's limited playing time last season while dealing with PCL and Achilles injuries," Sikkema wrote. "But the fact of the matter is, McCaffrey has earned 84.0-plus PFF receiving grades in six of his eight seasons, including the last one in which he was fully healthy (2023), and Aiyuk was one of the highest graded receivers in the league (91.7) in 2023."
Health will be a significant factor in the 49ers' success this year. The team endured an injury-riddled 2024 season, finishing in last place in the NFC West with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
"If they are healthy and can feature alongside George Kittle, who ranked second in PFF receiving grade (92.6) among tight ends last season, as well as Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, the group deserves the benefit of the doubt, even without Deebo Samuel," Sikkema concluded.