Despite his criminal record, Vinny Sutherland, who started in the position last season, is the leading candidate for the primary return role this season. Sutherland did an expectable job last season showing some threat for explosion, but unable to really make a difference. Sutherland hopes his sure hands will win him the position again this season.

Running back Jonas Lewis who spent last season on the injured reserve is believed to be among Sutherland’s greatest competition. Lewis is an explosive running back with good vision. Whether he can return kicks will be left for him to prove this off-season.

Undrafted Free Agent Ken Simonton is probably the other leading threat to Sutherland’s position. Simonton is an explosive player, who is quite small but very quick. The 49ers really liked his abilities in college, and he will bring lots of competition to the spot.

The 49ers will have others competing for the spot (including Jamal Robertson, Teddy Gaines and others), but really these three are the front runners. The team is looking to have an explosive threat returning the ball that will inspire fear in the opposition, and that could help the team get a quick score every once in a while. It will come down to good coaching, great blocking and super running, but certainly this is an area the 49ers are no longer content to ignore.