Marquise Goodwin doesn’t have amazing numbers when it comes to passes caught or yardage gained. In four NFL seasons, all with the Buffalo Bills, the wide receiver caught just 49 passes for 780 yards.
But Goodwin has world-class speed, and the 5-foot-9, 183-pound former University of Texas standout could be one of the 49ers’ breakout stars in 2017.
Goodwin, a 2012 U.S. Olympian in the long jump who also was a sprinter at Texas, will have to earn playing time in a crowded field of wide receivers during the upcoming training camp and exhibition games. But there are some who believe Goodwin is an untapped talent who could thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s new offense.
Recently, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com told Joe Fann of 49ers.com that Goodwin is his favorite addition to the San Francisco roster.
“He’s someone who, for whatever reason, didn’t get a great opportunity in Buffalo,” said Rapoport. “He can absolutely fly. He’s starting to become a football player opposed to a fast track guy who can jump. I don’t know what he’s going to become, but if there’s anyone who can utilize speed, it’s Kyle Shanahan and what he does on offense. We saw that with Tyler Gabriel, who was previously cut by the Cleveland Browns and went to the Atlanta Falcons and became a star. I wouldn’t be surprised if Goodwin had a similar situation.”
Matt Bowen of ESPN.com has tabbed Goodwin as the second-fastest player in the NFL, behind only Tyreek Hill, a wideout with the Chiefs. According to Bowen, Goodwin’s times in the 40-yard dash (4.27) and 100 meters (10.24) are just behind Hill’s 4.24 and 10.19. Wide receiver J.J. Nelson of the Cardinals comes next at 4.28 and 10.49.
Wrote Bowen: “Goodwin’s straight-line speed makes him a consistent deep-ball threat on the fade and the post. In 2016, Goodwin put that speed on display when he blew past veteran cornerback Darrelle Revis for an 84-yard touchdown on a national stage … (on) a straight go route. Remember, you don’t need any window dressing when you have Goodwin’s speed. Throw it deep and let him go get it.”
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Shanahan is eager to see what Goodwin can do this season. He says Goodwin’s deep-threat ability can open up routes for others underneath, too.
“Everyone knows how fast he can run,” Shanahan told Kelana Martin of the team’s website. “When you can run that fast it’s scary for defenses. It’s going to be a lot easier to move the chains because everyone is so scared of what he could do. That’s what speed does.”
