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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, impact after 2017 NFL Draft

By James LeBreton

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Trent Taylor (5) runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Trent Taylor (5) runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5, Pick 177: Trent Taylor

Trent Taylor isn’t the biggest guy on the field, but he just might be the quickest. So don’t sleep on him, or he will light you up. He gets open, breaks free and he moves the chains quickly.

In four seasons with Louisiana Tech, Taylor averaged 12.8 yards per catch. And that’s not just because he got lucky with a few deep grabs to boost his average. He’s the Bulldogs all-time leader in receptions with 327. That stat speaks volumes more so when you consider that his teammate was Carlos Henderson. Although Henderson had more yards and receiving touchdowns, Taylor bested him by more than 50 receptions.

In his senior season alone, he reeled in 136 catches for 1803 yards while capping off the season with 12 touchdowns.

Although he won’t push Kerley or Goodwin for full-time slot responsibilities, he will make good on every down that he’s utilized. He also contributes on special teams as a returner. Taylor is an intriguing prospect to say the least. It’ll be interesting to see his growth under the tutelage of Coach Shanahan.

Prediction: Return Man

Next: D.J. Jones