Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 25 players for 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers Trent Taylor
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks for a 30 yard first down run after a catch in front of Cre’von LeBlanc #22 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The 49ers defeated the Bears 15-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

21. WR Trent Taylor

2017 fifth-round draft pick Trent Taylor was the San Francisco 49ers’ go-to third-down receiver last season. Although Taylor was less successful in this role with veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer behind center, the rookie was extremely effective in this critical role with Garoppolo.

Taylor will face added competition as the team’s primary slot receiver with the draft additions of wideouts Dante Pettis and Richie James, but the two rookies are more likely to eat into Taylor’s snaps than to unseat him from his starting role in the slot.

With the plethora of special teams talent the Niners brought in over the offseason, Taylor’s days as the team’s punt returner are numbered. However, since the 49ers’ front office loves the 5-foot-8 receiver’s grit — and his affordable rookie contract — expect Taylor to continue his prominent role on offense.