Due to injuries to begin his rookie season, 49ers WR Dante Pettis arrived late to 2018. Yet, once fully healthy following the Week 11 Bye, Pettis flashed his monster upside. With San Fran aching for WRs, Pettis stepped up huge and immediately flashed his Alpha No.1 upside, scoring the fifth most WR FPs from Weeks 12-15 (16.5 PPG) before succumbing to an injury yet again. Still, Pettis flashed enough ability to effuse heavy-praise from HC Kyle Shanahan, who labeled Petts the team’s “best guy” and someone who can “come in and play all three (receiver) positions.” Clearly, Pettis is headed for a major role in this ascending offense. This “Usage” will only be augmented by the return of QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
Indeed, Pettis’ 17 catches, 338 yards, and 4 TDs over his only four healthy weeks were impressive. Yet, considering he was catching balls from a creature named Nick Mullens, these stats are all the more eye-opening. The “Surrounding Talent” upgrade is massive, both for Pettis and this entire offense. Pettis displayed a dangerous nose for the end zone with 4 TDs over a three week span, and would be even more deadly on a team frequenting the Red Zone.
Shanahan’s plans to move him all over the place should not be overlooked, either. His offense has historically funneled to a main “Alpha” target, and he called Pettis the team’s “best guy” and “I expect him to come in next season even better.” The team’s already released Pierre Garcon, cementing Pettis into a starting role and heavy volume. Risk remains high, as Pettis succumbed to two separate injuries in his first NFL action. Plus, George Kittle will remain the passing game focal point.
But Pettis’ upside is undeniable, which is why The Wolf ranks him +17 spots higher than the ECR on his latest Big Board.
