A lack of depth at the wide receiver position for the 49ers is certainly a thing of the past.
With talented performers like veteran Isaac Bruce, emerging second-year wideout Josh Morgan and newcomer Brandon Jones in the mix among a group of impressive pass-catchers – the 49ers are as deep at the skill position as they've ever been.
Since training camp kicked-off, the position group has proven to be reliable targets for quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Alex Smith.
On Monday, the third day of the 49ers training camp, receivers like Morgan and Jones continued to impress, making the depth chart decisions even more difficult for the coaching staff.
"That group as a whole is doing a good job," offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye said after the team's first of two Monday workouts. "[I'm] very pleased with them at this point. Josh (Morgan) is doing a good job. He's one of the two or three guys that we have that can play both sides (X and Z positions). He's in competition with the whole group and he's doing a good job."
Raye also complimented Morgan's explosive leaping ability, as well as his range.
For Morgan, playing at both spots give him the opportunity to see all angles of the field as well as help the team if injuries occur.
"I'm getting comfortable playing both positions – that's a plus for me and for the offense," Morgan said. "That means more of the game opens up for me. I can see the field from every angle. I think it's big for me. It helps me recognize defenses and I can see the whole defense we're playing against, not just one side."
Like Morgan, Jones is one of the players Raye referred to in his press conference as another multitalented wideout on the roster.
"Brandon has done well. He's transitioning out of a different system, so his learning curve has been good," Raye said. "He has made plays down the field on deep balls. He also has some good change of direction and has explosive, long speed. He's in the mix with the rest of that group in terms of where he's going development-wise and what he's been able to do early in training camp."
Jones is pleased with his play so far at camp, but he'll never rest on what he accomplished the day before.
"I feel like there's great competition here – a lot of guys are playing well," Jones said. "I just take things one day at a time and I put each practice behind me. You have to get better with each practice."
Raye also complimented Jones on his versatility, citing the newcomer's ability to play at all three receiver positions.
"That's very important," Jones said of lining up at the 'X, Z, and F' positions. "There are a lot of guys who can do that here. I just want to get on the field and be able to make plays and help the team the best I can. It's very important to know all three spots, because a lot of us can play."
PM Practice Particulars
Takeo Spikes and Marvel Smith sat out of practice because of their veteran status.
Manny Lawson showed his pass rushing ability when the outside linebackers worked on pass rushing against the tight ends. Lawson against Vernon Davis made for quite the matchup.
Both quarterbacks threw the ball well on Monday, only one turnover on the day. Alex Smith was intercepted when a blitzing Marcus Hudson tipped his pass at the line into the arms of Jay Moore.
A few plays later Moore's left hand was cut and he did not return to action. He's listed as day-to-day.
Delanie Walker made an impressive one-handed grab over the middle on a pass from Shaun Hill.
Adam Snyder and Alex Boone continued playing ice tub bocce ball after practice. Snyder won Sunday's contest.