Final wide receiver cut will be tough call for 49ers

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, August 31, 2007  |  Comments( 11 )

San Francisco 49ers
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They aren't making it easy.

If the San Francisco 49ers keep six wide receivers, four of the spots should go to Darrell Jackson, Arnaz Battle, Ashley Lelie and Taylor Jacobs. That leaves Brandon Williams, Bryan Gilmore and Jason Hill to compete for the other two, and so far none of them has asserted himself in any of the preseason games.

Things were even more complicated earlier this week, before C.J. Brewer was put on injured reserve and NFL Europa star Marcus Maxwell was cut.

Still, Williams caught just three passes for 31 yards in the first three dress rehearsals, Hill had three for 22, Gilmore four for 39. The 49er coaches could only hope that one of that trio separated himself Thursday night against San Diego.

Williams may well have an edge because he functioned as both the kickoff and punt return specialist for the 49ers last season (although he didn't touch the ball from the line of scrimmage), and was better than adequate at both.

But Gilmore has also returned kicks this preseason, posting numbers not far behind those of Williams.

So that leaves Jason Hill. But does a team normally cut its third-round draft pick, especially when he hasn't really had an opportunity to show his stuff?

Hill, out of Washington State, was one of the fastest hopefuls at the combine. As a Cougar, he broke Hugh Campbell's 46-year-old career receiving yardage record. And, he's from San Francisco.

Perhaps the reason Williams and Gilmore have both returned kicks is to gauge who might be more valuable as a two-way player.

In Gilmore's case, he started three games at wide receiver last season, catching eight passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 94 yards and played defense on special teams.

Yet he hasn't returned a punt in the preseason, leaving that chore strictly to Williams.

Or maybe Jacobs isn't as much of a lock as we've been led to believe, and might be shoved aside by the other three. However, the University of Florida product had a strong summer, snagging almost every ball that came his way. Plus, he's one of the most popular players on the team.

Not an easy choice. But then, it never is.

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