Why the 49ers wide receivers benefit the most from joint practices with the Broncos

Out of all the position groups of the San Francisco 49ers it is the wide receivers who will benefit the most from joint practices with the Broncos. Their elite secondary will only force the receivers to raise their game level.

The San Francisco 49ers are getting a head start on their preseason week two match up with the Denver Broncos as the red and gold flew into Denver yesterday. The game isn't until Monday night, but that just makes this week a prime opportunity for joint practices between the two teams. Joint practices are even more beneficial than actual preseason games because the starters are out longer.

It is a controlled environment which sets a peace of mind in head coaches that they can roll out their starters for the duration of practice. That's why so many coaches and players want to get rid of the preseason. Joint practices also allow for the players on both teams to raise their game. Practicing against the same players on your team could get tiresome and predictable.

Luckily for the 49ers, they get to go up against a solid Broncos team lead by Vic Fangio. A defensive genius going up against an offensive genius in Kyle Shanahan. What better way for the 49ers to sharpen their offense than to go up against a well ran defense loaded with talent. That is why the 49ers wide receivers benefit the most from these joint practices with the Broncos.

Von Miller and Bradley Chubb may steal the show with their elite pass rush skills, but make no mistake. It is the Broncos secondary that is their strongest position group on defense and quite possibly the team. Chris Harris Jr. is one of the best cornerbacks in the game. Now throw in renowned slot corner Bryce Callahan and wily veteran Kareem Jackson. Wide receivers are going to be frustrated when going up against this trio. They're practically locks and chains with how good they are in coverage.

Going up against this kind of talent for the 49ers wide receivers is just what they need, especially since Kyle Shanahan doesn't think there has been a standout. Now is the time t to be that standout play-making wide receiver. Facing better talent will only make players better because it forces them to raise their game to try to match it. The best part is that they get to practice with the Broncos today and tomorrow on top of their Monday night game.

The receivers of the 49ers have gotten good looks throughout training camp when they go up against Richard Sherman, but outside of him there isn't really someone close to the talents of the Broncos cornerbacks. There is Jason Verrett, but he was in and out even before he suffered a sprained ankle. These corners of the Broncos have been playing at a high level for a while. They will only help smooth down the rough edges of some of these raw wide receivers.

Players like Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne will have to dive into the deepest depth of their arsenal to get open. There is no better way to answer Kyle Shanahan's call for a receiver to step up than to make plays against this secondary. The only question is which wide receiver will it be? Either way, each of these receivers should be getting better by getting reps against these stout cornerbacks of the Broncos.