49ers’ 2018 offseason positional preview: Wide receiver
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver with the Most to Prove
It’s easy to say most of the fringe wide receivers have a lot to prove this offseason. Anyone but Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis aren’t exactly locks to make the 53-man roster.
But there’s a notable one-year veteran somewhat on the fringes too — wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
General manager John Lynch already gave Bourne an endorsement earlier this offseason, according to 49ers.com’s Joe Fann:
John Lynch on #49ers WR Kendrick Bourne:
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) April 23, 2018
"We believe he's going to be a big part of our future at that position."
That’s good. But it’s no guarantee Bourne cracks the roster.
Last year, Bourne had his moments, including a nice 54-yard grab against the Tennessee Titans last year in Week 15.
Overall, though, Bourne had just 16 receptions for 257 yards. That’s solid production from a rookie undrafted free agent. But he’ll be pressed by 2018 rookies Pettis and James, who’ll look to lock down one of only a few precious roster spots this season.
To ensure a spot, Bourne will have to be on par with these two at soundly beat out the remaining competition.
Of which there’s a good amount.