Who’s Jimmy G’s main catch?

BY CAM INMAN

Dante Pettis

Strengths: His knack for making plays (five touchdowns on 27 catches) comes with a unique, long stride that surprises cornerbacks.

Weaknesses: His size and physicality required attention this offseason, and he must still prove he has the passion and mentality for over-the-middle catches.

Expectation: He may not emerge as a dynamic No. 1 threat but he'll improve and be hard to take off the field en route to a 65-catch season.

Deebo Samuel

Strengths: Physicality with a thick lower body helps him rack up YAC (yards after the catch).

Weaknesses: He's a rookie in a complex scheme so don't bank on his becoming the first 49er to win the Associated Press' NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Expectation: He'll definitely factor into the receiver rotation and could become a mainstay by midseason. Anything over 40 or 50 catches is a bonus.

Marquise Goodwin

Strengths: He's so fast he won a 40-yard, $1 million challenge this summer, and he's expanding his versatility and leadership.

Weaknesses: Leg injuries and concussions prompt durability concerns. Will his 2020 Olympic ambitions interfere with 49ers commitments?

Expectation: Shanahan penciled out a more specialized role for his best down-field threat, but don't rule him out as a full-time starter capable of 1,000 yards.

Marquise Goodwin, above, is fast. He even won a 40-yard dash event this summer. But is he durable? If so, he’s capable of a big season. Slot receiver Trent Taylor, left, hopes his surgically repaired back won’t hinder his progress.

Jalen Hurd

Strengths: The 49ers spent a third-round pick hoping the 6-foot-5 Hurd would provide versatility at receiver and possibly tight end or H-back. His physicality early in camp drew commendations — from his coach, not the defense.

Weaknesses: The former running back only converted to receiver two years ago, so his routes and pass-catching ability need refining. Expectation: A history of knee and head injuries is concerning, as is his learning curve, but any reps will be helpful toward a bigger role in 2020.

Trent Taylor

Strengths: He developed into a productive slot receiver as a rookie with his ability to separate at the line and run precise routes.

Weaknesses: Back surgery last summer took its toll on him and the hope is it won’t flare up as it recently did with tight end Garrett Celek.

Expectation: He locks down the slot job after his return from minor foot surgery, doubles as the punt returner and contributes with more than 40 receptions.

JORDAN MATTHEWS

Strengths: He brings versatility and the most experience (46 starts, 70 games, 270 catches, 22 touchdowns) to a young group needing mentorship.

Weaknesses: Injuries spoiled his past few years, and at 27, he's not as spry as his 201416 Eagles days. Can he stay humble among so many neophytes?

Expectation: A youth-laden roster could work against him or, perhaps, allow him to emerge as Garoppolo's trusted ally because of his experience. Pick 'em.

KENDRICK BOURNE

Strengths: Coaches covet his hustle to dart downfield on pass and run plays. He led all 49ers wide receivers last season in receptions (42) and yards (487).

Weaknesses: His routes could be more refined, with fewer social media selfies.

Expectation: He is a 6-foot-1 Energizer bunny who's made enough strides and shown enough passion that he could stick as a reserve.