Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 positions up for grabs in 2018 training camp

By Akshaj Dwivedula

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches during a San Francisco 49ers practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne formerly played professional rugby league in Australia for the Parramatta Eels. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches during a San Francisco 49ers practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne formerly played professional rugby league in Australia for the Parramatta Eels. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a catch at the seven yard line of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a catch at the seven yard line of the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Slot Wide Receiver

Trent Taylor had an interesting year to say the least. Traditional stats paint a gloomy picture for Taylor’s year. He had only 430 yards and 2 touchdowns. Advanced stats give him a better allure. According to Pro Football Focus (h/t ninerswire.com), Taylor was incredible on slant routes:

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/965817297884590080

Apart from slant routes, Taylor was a beast on the money down. PFF added how Taylor had more than 50 percent of targets on third down, and how 23 of his receptions resulted in first downs.

There are two main reasons why Taylor may not keep his job as starting slot receiver. The first is injuries. Taylor had back surgery over the summer, but his injury is not considered severe.

The second reason is rookie receiver Dante Pettis. Usually, you shouldn’t read too much into draft position of players, but it is telling that Pettis was a second-round pick when the team had bigger concerns in other positions.

Our own Peter Panacy did a breakdown on Pettis, and he had this to say about Pettis’ abilities:

"Route running is going to be the prime staple to Pettis’ game. He’s elusive and more than capable of creating separation in open space. An ankle injury prevented him from running a 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and at his pro day, but NFL Draft Scout projected him to have a sub-4.50 40-yard time anyway. And the route-running abilities help make up for lack of elite-level speed."

Compared to Taylor, Pettis is a bit faster but otherwise has the same characteristics.

In all likelihood, Taylor will come back from his injury and continue to improve, cementing his place as the starting slot receiver.

Who I think will be starting Week 1: Trent Taylor