To get a better look at the 49ers’ roster and their NFL Draft needs, we’re taking a daily look at position groups. Today’s offering: Specialists.
WHO’S HERE
Kicker Robbie Gould, punter Mitch Wishnowsky, long snapper Taybor Pepper
2020 OUTLOOK
Gould reworked his contract before the 2020 season finale, so he’s locked in for the next two years, as are Wishnowsky and Pepper. They should be a solid triumvirate but their supporting cast must be better than 2020.
Gould made 42-of-54 field-goal attempts the past two years, after making 72-of-75 his first two seasons on the 49ers. Wishnowsky, 29, is entering only his third season and hasn’t yet established himself as an elite punter or kickoff specialist. He was the 49ers’ highest-drafted punter since 1988 (Barry Helton, fourth round) and the NFL’s highest since Cal’s Bryan Anger in 2012 (Jaguars, third round).
Pepper replaced Kyle Nelson after Week 3 and stabilized that position before missing the season finale on the COVID-19 reserve list. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower has a new assistant in Matthew Harper, who replaced Stan Kwon.
Someone new could emerge as a special-teams ace. Marcell Harris and Dontae Johnson return as last year’s leading special-teams tacklers. Mark Nzeocha and Joe Walker are both free agents.
DRAFT EXPECTATIONS
It’d be surprising if the 49ers spare a pick on a specialist, although they certainly should find a more dynamic punt returner who can double as a slot receiver, so check back for our receiver outlook that is coming in a future post.
Come training camp, the 49ers will need to upgrade their coverage and return units so those competitions will secure the final roster spots.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“We have one of the best, to me, that’s played the game in Robbie and we’ll continue to have him, which helps us not have to fill that hole and we can focus on the others. … I do know at least now we’re not going and spending money to get a new kicker or spending a draft pick on a kicker.” — Coach Kyle Shanahan, Dec. 30.
LOCAL OPTION
Jet Toner (Stanford)
PRIORITY (Scale: 1 to 10)
10 (least)