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49ers want young receivers to step up after Boldin’s departure

The 49ers have not drafted a starting-caliber wideout since taking Michael Crabtree with the 10th overall pick in 2009. That's one of the reasons they decided to move on from Anquan Boldin: With a veteran like Boldin around, so the thinking goes, it would be hard to develop a young, home-grown talent at the position. Here's a look at the candidates for filling Boldin's considerable shoes. During the spring practices, the group roughly was divided among right side, left side and slot receivers.

Right

Torrey Smith. The natural heir to Boldin's role as top receiver, Smith looked better and better as the offense grew sharper this spring.