49ers to target receivers as area for improvement Lack of production in playoffs exposed S.F.'s wide receiver corps

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It appears the 49ers might have missed a spot in their extreme makeover this season.

And that area was impossible to miss for those paying attention during the postseason.

In two games, the 49ers wide receivers managed eight catches for 51 yards and one touchdown. In their 20-17 overtime loss to New York in the NFC Championship Game, Michael Crabtree's 3-yard catch was the only reception by a wideout.

Much has changed in San Francisco, which had its first wining season and postseason victory in nine years. But the lack of production from wide receivers remains the same. The Niners and Bears are the only teams without a 1,000-yard wide receiver since 2003.

It's a position San Francisco will address in the offseason, whether through the draft or free agency, or both. On Monday, however, it was not a subject coach Jim Harbaugh cared to discuss when asked if the 49ers needed to upgrade their wideouts.

"I'm not going to turn this press conference into a personnel meeting," Harbaugh said.

With Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams the only wide receivers under contract for 2012, though, it's a conversation Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke will be having in the coming months.

Crabtree, the No. 10 overall pick in 2009, began justifying his draft slot after a sluggish start. He finished with 72 catches for 874 yards, the highest totals for a San Francisco wideout since Terrell Owens in 2003.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) pulls in a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. The Saints set a franchise season scoring record on the play. (AP Photo/Bill Haber) less New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) pulls in a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. The Saints ... more Photo: Bill Haber, Associated Press Photo: Bill Haber, Associated Press Image 1 of / 10 Caption Close 49ers to target receivers as area for improvement 1 / 10 Back to Gallery

But Crabtree regressed in the playoffs. In a divisional-playoff win against the Saints, he had at least two drops to go with four catches for 25 yards and a 4-yard touchdown. His performance against the Giants raised familiar questions about his ability to develop into an elite wide receiver and his attitude.

In the locker room, Crabtree suggested quarterback Alex Smith didn't give him enough chances to make plays.

"All I do is run routes," he said. "When you don't get that many opportunities, it's hard to talk."

Smith didn't ignore his wideouts in the playoffs, but he did fail to connect with them. He completed 8 of 29 passes for 51 yards and had a 51.1 rating when targeting wide receivers. He completed 28 of 37 passes for 444 yards and had a 151.2 rating when throwing to tight ends and running backs.

Asked if he was open against the Giants and Smith failed to see him, Crabtree said, "Half the time you're not going to be open. That's why they call you a playmaker - just give you chances."

While questions still surround Crabtree, there's no question he was the top wide receiver on a team that finished the season with no other proven options on the outside.

Former Pro Bowler Braylon Edwards was expected to have a huge impact, but his injury-riddled year ended prematurely when the Niners released him before the regular-season finale. Williams, 23, showed flashes, but his 20 catches were just five more than Joshua Morgan, who broke his leg in Week 5 and is a free agent.

Ted Ginn Jr.? The free-agent-to-be is an elite punt returner, but has just 31 catches in his two seasons in San Francisco.

Even if Morgan re-signs, the 49ers will still be lacking the big-bodied, red-zone target they thought they had in Edwards.

"He is a big receiver," Harbaugh said in August. "We were looking for that big stature receiver."

Five months and 18 games later, the search continues.

Wide-open market The 49ers have several options to find an elite wide receiver. Here are the top free agents, with an eye toward bigger bodies: Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs Ht: 6-2; Wt: 221; Age: 27 Note: Has 153 catches for 2,321 yards and 20 TDs the past two seasons. DeSean Jackson, Eagles Ht: 5-10; Wt: 175; Age: 25 Note: Does not meet size requirements. Me-first reputation may not fit with Niners' blue-collar ethic. Vincent Jackson, Chargers Ht: 6-5; Wt: 230; Age: 29 Note: Has 27 TDs in his past 47 games, but has expressed desire to stay in San Diego. Steve Johnson, Bills Ht: 6-2; Wt: 210; Age: 25 Note: Former Chabot College player has produced two straight 1,000-yard seasons. Marques Colston, Saints Ht: 6-4; Wt: 225; Age: 28 Note: Has averaged 1,040 yards and 8 TDs in his six-year career ... with Drew Brees as his QB.