Niner Noise
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49ers’ best options for the final wide receiver spot on 53-man roster

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by teammates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by teammates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 01: Aaron Burbridge #16 of the Michigan State Spartans smiles after making a first down during a game against the Baylor Bears during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on January 1, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Glenn/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 01: Aaron Burbridge #16 of the Michigan State Spartans smiles after making a first down during a game against the Baylor Bears during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on January 1, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sarah Glenn/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Wide Receiver Aaron Burbridge

One of the holdovers from former general manager Trent Baalke, second-year wide receiver Aaron Burbridge might be in the best position to earn the final roster spot.

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Burbridge was listed as one of the team captains during the 49ers’ 27-17 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs, so that speaks well to his chances. And while he didn’t impact the stat sheet on offense, Burbridge does offer some versatility on special teams, increasing his value.

These two reasons are why Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman suggested Burbridge, above the others, earns the final spot on San Francisco’s roster.

Burbridge isn’t exactly the fastest of receivers — a trait Kyle Shanahan covets. But his wide catch radius, which helped quarterback Connor Cook gain credibility at Michigan State, is a positive attribute.

And while Burbridge isn’t exactly the most explosive option, the 6-foot-1, 208-pound receiver might be the most flexible out of the remaining choices.