Predicting the 10 players who wind up on the 49ers practice squad

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: A San Francisco 49ers helmet on the field at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: A San Francisco 49ers helmet on the field at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers smiles 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 smiles 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) /

No. 1: Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne

This one is particularly tough.

49ers UDFA wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has been one of the better stories out of training camp, including this 46-yard touchdown versus the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the preseason:

Bourne, a 6-foot-1 receiver out of Eastern Washington, has the size element over the majority of his competition. But as noted earlier, this is an awfully crowded position.

The back end of the wide receiver group must be able to contribute on special teams, and Bourne hasn’t shown the ability to regularly contribute in this area. Instead, the Niners have used second-year wideout Aaron Burbridge in this role, increasing his 53-man stock and decreasing Bourne’s.

The good news is, however, Bourne is certainly the favorite to be first called if needed.

And considering he’s flashed a good deal of ability throughout the first few games of the preseason, San Francisco might not want to risk trying to stash him on the practice squad anyway.

Next: Best options for final wide receiver spot on 49ers roster

For right now, though, it’s looking as if Bourne’s best shot might be to land here first and wait for his opportunity to rise.