For many players on the 49ers roster, 2015 is providing a fresh start.
There’s a new coaching staff in place, some new thinking and plenty of job openings all over the roster because of veterans who have departed.
One of those positions is wide receiver. With Michael Crabtree, Brandon Lloyd and Stevie Johnson now gone, young players such as Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington now have a chance to earn more playing time.
For Patton, entering his third pro season, the door seems wide open. Even general manager Trent Baalke, who picked Patton in the fourth round of the 2013 draft from Louisiana Tech, is certain he will get a chance after being buried on the depth chart the past two seasons, or hurt by injuries.
“Patton is running extremely well and always could run well for his size,” Baalke told the Bay Area News Group this offseason. “Quinton is a young player who hasn’t really gotten an opportunity. Now is his opportunity and let’s see what he can do.”
So far, so good.
Through organized team activities (OTAs) and last week’s ful-squad minicamp, Patton has been impressive.
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Now wide receivers coach Ronald Curry has weighed in. Curry, in speaking with a writer for the team’s website this week, said the only thing Patton has lacked his first two seasons was “an opportunity.”
“Quinton Patton has always flashed (potential),” said Curry. “He’s going to get a real opportunity to go out there and see what he can do. I’ve been here since he was a rookie, and just to see him grow as a player and a person is great to see. He’s always been dedicated, he’s always been focused, he’s always worked hard, he’s smart and it’s going to be interesting to see how he does in this camp.”
