KYLE WILLIAMS A.J. JENKINSBackup slot receiverKyle Williams vs. A.J. Jenkins
Tale of the tapeWilliams: Third season, 5-10, 186, Arizona State
Jenkins: Rookie, 6-0, 192, Illinois
RosterDepth chartMore camp battles
The first three receivers spots appear to be secure with Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. On game days, the fourth active receiver will likely also double as the return man. Ted Ginn is the favorite for that job. But in the course of the season if there's an injury and the 49ers need a slot receiver for an extended period, where do they turn? Williams looks determined to bounce back this season after his two turnovers on punt returns were critical mistakes in the 49ers' loss in the NFC Championship. Williams can be an effective slot man with his combination of quickness and speed. But the 49ers selected Jenkins in the first round of the draft due in large part to his versatility. They believe he can play each of the team's receiver positions, including the slot. It was a productive offseason for Jenkins, who worked with head strength and conditioning coach Mark Uyeyama to increase his strength. Jenkins enters his first NFL training camp near the bottom of the depth chart with the onus on him to climb the ladder and pass some of the players with previous NFL experience.
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