The 2010 wide receiver and tight end corps must come to the rescue of Alex Smith and the 49ers. It is mandatory that this group have the largest impact of all the players on the team. The group hasn’t had a 1000 yard receiver since Terrell Owens. Who in this group of receivers stands up to be #1?

 Isaac Bruce is still the leader and most storied receiver of this group. The elder statesman will enter into his 16^th year of play in 2010. How much longer can the old guy continue to hold a roster spot? Actually he is only 37 years old. Jerry Rice played into his 40s. Bruce has 1,024 career receptions and 15,208 yards accumulated with 91 touch downs.

 Isaac Bruce’s mentoring of these young receivers is most needed, but production from his position is more appreciated. Isaac Bruce contributed little to no production last year. 21 catches for 264 yards is all the vet had to give last year. The clock is ticking, and it may be time to put the old gray out to pasture.

Michael Crabtree played well for a rookie last year. He caught 48 balls for 625 yards and two touch downs. The most intriguing part about all of this is he missed 5 games due to his infamous hold out.

What would his numbers have been if he had played all year? The break down says he would have 4 catches a game at 57 yards a game. That would have given Crabtree 285 more yards and 20 more catches bringing him to 910 yards receiving and 68 catches. Those would have been great numbers for a rookie. Still it leaves the 49ers short of another potential 1000 yard receiver.

Josh Morgan didn’t have the sophomore year most people expected the speedy receiver from Virginia Tech would have after a flashy rookie season. Actually Josh seemed to be more of cheerleader and penalty guy, then the impact wide out most fans wanted and desired. Josh Morgan dropped a sure touch down against the Seattle Seahawks, and received celebration penalties that cost the team. Josh Morgan will have to make the same kind of transformation that Vernon Davis made last year in order to help the team make it to the next level.

Josh caught 52 balls for 527 yards and three touch downs. Hopefully in 2010 those numbers will increase.

Arnaz Battle is gone and Dominique Ziegler didn’t play. Arnaz added an amazing 5 catches and 40 yards worth of production. My grandmother could get those numbers. I know she could pick up 5 screen passes against the Seahawks. Dominique is a tall slender speedy wideout, who can’t break into the line up. Maybe this is his year?

Jason Hill and Brandon Jones combined for 10 catches, 118 yards and two touch downs. Brandon Jones is a seasoned vet who came over from the Tennessee Titans via free agency, and should get more playing time this year. Jason Hill has shown promise the last three years, but has yet to live up to his billing since coming out of Washington State University.  Again more production is needed.

This year’s group of rookies promises to push the envelope and possibly replace some of these elder receivers. Kyle Williams from the University of Arizona State offers the ability to become a punt returner as well as a viable slot receiver. He had 109 receptions at ASU for 1,626 yards and 19 touch downs. He also had 74 punt returns for 768 yards and 31 kickoff returns for 709 yards. His numbers still don’t suggest 1000 yard receiver numbers.

Ted Ginn Jr. will add some speed on kickoff and punts as well, but in 3 years in Dolphin land he never came close to breaking the 1000 yard receiving mark. What makes any of the one think that he will be the answer to the lack of production at the position? The Dolphin fans don’t and neither do most of the loyal faithful. Ginn will have to come in and make the world stop in order for the fans to accept him as a prominent receiver.

Three rookie free agents looking to make the squad are Jared Perry from Missouri University, Scott Long from Louisville and Shay Hodge from Mississippi. All three have the opportunity to come in and possibly earn a roster spot.

Vernon Davis the best receiving option last year for the 49ers obtained his break out year in 2010.  Last season fans saw him catch 78 balls for 965 yards, 13 touchdowns and his first Pro Bowl. Can a Tight End lead his team to the playoffs and beyond? At this point for the 49ers he may have too.

Delaine Walker had 21 receptions for 233 yards and no touch downs. He is a back up Tight End no expects him to have huge numbers. However, with his speed and ability it is plausible to believe that his numbers could be higher.

Again which one of these individuals steps up to help Vernon Davis  give Alex Smith another target to get the team into the playoffs? Which one of these young guys steps up to push Isaac Bruce off the roster and into retirement? Who on this roster steps up and helps this team Return to Champions?