Just after Chip Kelly was selected as the new head coach of the 49ers back in January, the team signed former Canadian Football League wide receiver Eric Rogers,
Rogers, a former standout at little Cal Lutheran in California, signed a two-year contract with the Niners after two terrific years with the Calgary Stampeders. This past season he had 87 catches for 1,448 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He’s a big target at 6-foot-3 and excelled in Canada at making acrobatic, contested catches.
After the 49ers signed him, general manager Trent Baalke told Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning Quarterback that Rogers “loves the game.”
“That really stood out to us,” said Baalke. “I think he really enjoys playing it. He’s competitive, passionate, he works hard at it and he’s a fun guy to be around.”
Now with the 49ers starting organized team activities (OTAs), Rogers’ coaches and teammates are getting a chance to see for the first time what Rogers might bring to the receiving corps that needs another playmaker or two after the departure of Anquan Boldin.
Taylor Price of the team’s website noted that Rogers on Tuesday had “several eye-catching receptions.” Price said Rogers outleaped defenders on a couple of plays to come down with big, downfield receptions. He made catches from both Blaine Gabbert and rookie Jeff Driskel, Price said.
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Rogers reportedly visited with 16 NFL teams before deciding to sign with the 49ers. If he’s even close to what he was like in the CFL, the 49ers will have come up with a bargain.
Rogers has vowed to take nothing for granted. He wants to work hard, improve and make an impact with his new team after falling short in previous short tryout stints in NFL camps.
“There were deficiencies in my game, and there still are,” he told Monday Morning Quarterback. “There are always ways to get better. But a lot of success depends on opportunity. I feel like I’m really getting an honest shot here.”
