SANTA CLARA – Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are entrenched as the 49ers’ starters for a fourth consecutive season since Aiyuk was drafted in 2020. Behind them, however, there are plenty of questions entering training camp about how the wide receivers room will shape up.

Aiyuk is building off the first 1,000-yard season of his career, which was followed by the 49ers’ decision this spring to exercise the $14.1 million fifth-year option on his rookie contract. He started all 17 games and was the 49ers’ leading receiver with 78 catches, though his production dipped in the playoffs.

Samuel is rebounding from his self-described “awful” regular season that began with a three-year contract extension in July after tense offseason negotiations. His dual-threat role diminished some with the addition of Christian McCaffrey, but injury still struck as he was carted off with a high ankle sprain during a Dec. 1 win over Tampa Bay. Still, he returned and made an impact in the playoffs that included a six-catch, 133-yard performance in the wild-card victory over the Seahawks.

Aiyuk and Samuel should make for the 49ers’ most polished combination of wide receivers in perhaps 25 years, since Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens, the franchise’s last duo to each produce 1,000 yards in a season.

The 49ers will be counting on that duo for impact play, but they also need others to step up behind them. Can newcomers seize backup roles, or will returning players hold them off for playing time this fall?

Let’s sketch out the options:

Danny Gray: We start here because, well, his career seemingly has yet to begin. He had one catch as a rookie, on his lone target after mid-October. The blazing speed is there. Will his routes vary? Will he attack the ball at its high point? The Year 2 leap must happen, and he’s worked all offseason for it.

Jauan Jennings: The 49ers covet his energy, physicality and knack for converting on third down (“Third-and-Jauan”). If he becomes more sure-handed, then more reps should come his way, especially in the red zone. He had one touchdown last year, after five in 2021.

Ray-Ray McCloud: This marks McCloud’s second year with the 49ers as their … what, exactly? Is he more than a punt returner? He had one-catch games 11 times last year, plus a four-catch bonanza vs. Kansas City. With Christian McCaffrey such a nice option in the slot, McCloud needs to prove himself all over again this camp – as a valued receiver.

Chris Conley: How spry are this 30-year-old journeyman’s legs? He didn’t impress in the spring practices open to the media, so he must show he’s more than veteran insurance.

Ronnie Bell: This seventh-round rookie from Michigan started hot in spring workouts, cooled at the end, but could really push for a roster spot, especially if he proves adept on special teams and as a punt returner.

Tay Martin: You want a roster darkhorse? The 6-foot-3 Martin could be it, after familiarizing himself with the offense last season on the practice squad.

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Dazz Newsome: He joined the practice squad for last season’s playoff push, so he should channel whatever good luck he brought from that run into his push as a roster longshot.

Willie Snead IV: He came away with no official catches after bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster last season. His 279 career receptions are the most among the 49ers’ wide receivers.

Isaiah Winstead: From Norfolk State to Toledo to East Carolina to Twitter video sensation, Winstead (6-foot-4) must beat the odds and make the most of every rep to garner a practice-squad return.