"Having those guys on the outside, Torrey Smith, Jerome Simpson, Quinton Patton - they're going to stretch the defense," Bethea said. "That'll give Vernon (Davis) ample opportunities to make plays. That'll allow guys like Reggie Bush to be able to hit those holes.

"It's going to pay dividends for our offense to have those guys outside wide stretching the defense. Just having those weapons out there is going to help (Colin Kaepernick) a lot, too."

Kaepernick showcased his connection with Simpson during 11-on-11 work last week.

On the very first play of a mid-field team period, the 49ers signal-caller launched a 15-yard pass to Simpson who slipped in front of Bethea to make the reception. After the 6-foot-2, 190-pound receiver made the grab, he proceeded to do a forward roll and then quickly popped up to run up the field for more yards.

"We caught the defense in a coverage that they were vulnerable in," Simpson said of the play. "Kap put it in the zone where I could catch it and make a play on it. I had to do a tuck and roll and because I didn't get touched, I got up and tried to score which you have to do on every play."

Simpson has made a habit of making splashy plays on the field. If you haven't searched "Jerome Simpson Flip Touchdown," do that now.

Many of Simpson's 145 career receptions have been impressive displays of athleticism. But after Simpson ran into off-the-field issues, he was out of football last season. The 49ers did their homework on Simpson and signed him to a one-year contract at the start of free agency.