In NFL analyst Warren Sharp's "2022 Sharp Football Preview Book", his Football Analysis Team ranked each team's group of pass catchers ahead of 2022.
Sharp, the founder of Football Outsiders, ranked the 49ers' group 2nd in the league, trailing only the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals receiving corps, consisting of WRs like phenom JaMarr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, were a primary reason that the team reached the Super Bowl last season, joining quarterback Joe Burrow to form one of the best offenses in the league.
The Bengals earned a "97" score from Sharp's ranking system, while the 49ers placed second with a "92" score. They were followed by the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles, who ranked third, fourth, and fifth respectively.
Sharp's team placed the 49ers' receiving group second in the NFL under the assumption that Deebo Samuel plays in 2022, which makes sense given the All-Pro season that the South Carolina product had in 2021.
"We're assuming Deebo Samuel suits up for the 49ers this season. As a result, their pass catchers landed in the top five on every ballot [of Sharp's team]. If we could guarantee a healthy season from George Kittle, the unit may have ranked number one."
The 49ers bolstered their receiving corps this offseason, adding necessary depth with Ray-Ray McCloud via free agency and Danny Gray through the draft, while returning their top three receivers from a year ago in Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings.
Deebo Samuel's situation is still unknown, as the star receiver has yet to sign an extension entering his fourth year, although he was present at mandatory minicamp earlier this offseason.