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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Rookies Who Could Start in Week 1 of 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills with defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie (63) during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett (65) runs drills with defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie (63) during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Air Force Falcons during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Air Force Falcons during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver Aaron Burbridge

Drafted in Round 5, No. 213 Overall

The 49ers hope they’ve found the heir apparent to free-agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Former Michigan State wideout Aaron Burbridge was one of the reasons his quarterback, Connor Cook, was so highly regarded coming out of college. Burbridge frequently bailed out Cook, thanks to his excellent hands and ability to fight for contested balls.

All this despite not having breakaway speed. And this sounds a lot like Boldin during the majority of his Niners tenure.

So how would Burbridge find himself in a position to start?

As seen in the video below, Burbridge may be a candidate for the slot receiver position. With veteran wideout Torrey Smith likely securing the No. 1 spot, and fellow receiver Bruce Ellington in a great position to be the No. 2 guy, the job could go to Burbridge this season.

Slot receivers aren’t necessarily starters in base formations, although outside guys will frequently line up inside in three-wide sets. But the 49ers are likely going to use plenty of sets with three wideouts in formation.

So Burbridge may easily get his chance here.

Why He’ll Start

Burbridge won’t beat too many defensive backs with his speed, so he’ll need to use his hands, route-running and physicality to earn snaps. But he may be a favorable matchup against linebackers in coverage, which gives him a good opportunity to make an impact.

Watch for Burbridge’s progression in training camp. If he can develop a rapport with either quarterback Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick, the rookie’s chances to start will only increase.

Why He Won’t Start

Route-running at the NFL level will be a tough challenge for nearly every first-year wideout. Route concepts are more complex, and the nature of the competition will be that much more difficult.

On top of that, San Francisco already has a lot of young wideouts vying for playing time. Burbridge could lose favor to someone else on the roster like Quinton Patton, DeAndre Smelter or Dres Anderson.

And there may be another player on this list who could pass over Burbridge.

Next: OT Fahn Cooper