When the 49ers played their third preseason game two weeks ago, receiver Jeremy Kerley was a member of the Detroit Lions. Now he’s a 49ers starter. At two spots.
He’s the team’s top option at slot receiver – a feature role in Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense – and also will handle punt returns when the Rams visit Levi’s Stadium on Monday.
Kerley is in position to see a lot of passes. During spring and summer practices, the 49ers’ top slot receiver, Bruce Ellington, was a frequent target of quarterback Blaine Gabbert and seemed poised for a big season. He's the only player on the roster who fits Kelly’s ideal mold for a slot receiver: rabbit quick, a fast accelerator and – especially critical this week – mentally sharp.
“I think he’s a wily veteran. He’s been around,” Kelly said of Kerley. “I think having Curtis and Bob here has really helped him. But you can tell right away that Jeremy’s a pretty smart football player.”
Kerley’s best season was 2012 when he had 56 catches for 827 yards for the Jets.
Kerley is worth consideration in deep PPR formats, but he's unlikely to be a fantasy factor in most leagues.
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