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San Francisco 49ers: Winners and losers from first week of OTAs

By Peter Panacy

Aug 4, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; The San Francisco 49ers warm up at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; The San Francisco 49ers warm up at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) runs a route during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor (81) runs a route during the 49ers Rookie Minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Wide Receiver Trent Taylor

Rookie wideout Trent Taylor may be a long shot to start at slot receiver this upcoming season. He’s currently buried behind slot-type receivers Jeremy Kerley and Bruce Ellington on the depth chart.

While unseating Kerley, the Niners’ leading receiver last year, may be a bit of a reach in 2017, targeting Ellington on the depth chart is more likely. More on Ellington in a moment.

But Taylor has started to distinguish himself early, which was an accolade of his during college.

49ers.com’s Joe Fann described Taylor’s OTA impact so far:

"Trent Taylor continues to show his skill set as a slot receiver. He had three receptions during a 7-on-7 period, each time showing his ability to create separation at the line of scrimmage."

Taylor has also contributed on special teams throughout these practices, further adding to his value and chances to make the 53-man roster.

It would be a shock to see Taylor regress after such a strong set of initial performances.