San Francisco 49ers: Who is wide receiver Kendrick Bourne?
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s next installment of our “Who Is?” series on San Francisco 49ers players in 2017 continues by looking at undrafted free agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
One of the San Francisco 49ers’ undrafted free-agent pickups after the 2017 NFL Draft was former Eastern Washington wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
Bourne, a four-year collegiate contributor, wasn’t projected to be drafted this season. CBS Sports listed him as a likely UDFA, and the Niners elected to pick him up post draft.
Yet Bourne did manage to post some notable numbers, especially his senior year, totaling 79 catches for 1,201 yards and seven touchdowns.
| Year | Team | G | Rush | Yds | Yd/Rush | TDs | Rec | Yds | Yd/Rec | TDs |
| 2013 | EastWa | 14 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 7 | 117 | 16.7 | 2 |
| 2014 | EastWa | 14 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 52 | 814 | 15.7 | 10 |
| 2015 | EastWa | 11 | 2 | 75 | 37.5 | 1 | 73 | 998 | 13.7 | 8 |
| 2016 | EastWa | 14 | 3 | 13 | 4.3 | 0 | 79 | 1201 | 15.2 | 7 |
| Career | 53 | 5 | 88 | 17.6 | 1 | 211 | 3130 | 14.8 | 27 |
The 6-foot-1, 203-pound wideout probably doesn’t fit into San Francisco’s long-term plans, especially considering his lack of speed. Bourne ran a 4.68 40-yard time at the NFL Scouting Combine and was largely overshadowed by fellow Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp.
So what are his strengths and weaknesses, and how does Bourne project into the Niners’ plans this upcoming season?
Why He’ll Improve
Bourne’s best attributes are his hands. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted Bourne “has very quick, natural hands as a pass catcher” and “can react suddenly to pluck throws that are right on top of him.”
Additionally, Bourne is very physical at the point of a catch. Think of someone like former 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who wasn’t known for speed but used his strength and physicality to fight for contested passes.
And Bourne’s route-running abilities aren’t bad either. Just check out this move from Niners minicamp against rookie corner Ahkello Witherspoon:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUFYWzHhIWd/
These will have to be the kind of attributes on display if Bourne hopes to crack the 53-man roster this season.
But there’s plenty working against him.
Why He’ll Regress
Eastern Washington didn’t exactly face top-tier competition and/or defenses this season. So the cornerbacks he’d face at the NFL level are going to be a lot more problematic, especially if Bourne doesn’t possess the speed.
Speed is one of the focal points for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. With a number of depth receivers competing for roster spots this season, Bourne will have to prove his hands and physicality are worth more than another wideout creating separation, via speed, on a regular basis.
This is easier said than done, especially when the preseason rolls around.
What to Expect in 2017
Possession receivers are valuable, and Bourne’s size and reliable hands could make him a solid red-zone option — where breakaway speed isn’t quite as necessary — if he can make the roster.
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Moves like the one seen in the above clip help his chances. But the fact he doesn’t offer much on special teams could be a detriment to making the roster.
At best, Bourne likely lands on the practice squad to kick off 2017. He’s the kind of player San Francisco’s coaching staff might want to develop. Especially if he continues to develop an already solid route-running ability.
Next: Breaking down the 49ers' new passing game in 2017
So maybe he winds up finding a niche in 2018 or later. Just don’t count on it right away.