Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who’ll lose starting jobs in 2019

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers prays before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers prays before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 23: Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers after a reception during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 23: Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers after a reception during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Wide Receiver Trent Taylor

Like Adrian Colbert, second-year slot receiver Trent Taylor has gone through a massive regression after bursting on the scene as a key third-down weapon for Kyle Shanahan in 2017.

After 430 yards on 43 receptions and 19 third-down receptions for a first down (tied for ninth best in the NFL a year ago), Taylor’s 2018 stats have been nearly non-existent. Through 10 weeks, the former Louisiana Tech product has just 150 yards on 19 receptions.

Granted, Taylor underwent a back procedure during the offseason. And Kyle Shanahan admitted earlier this season it had been hindering Taylor during games themselves.

It’s possible Taylor bounces back once he’s 100 percent healthy. Yet it’s equally plausible the 49ers turn over the primary chances to the 2018 rookie, Richie James, who boasts far more explosive speed and separation than the former.

And Shanahan sure loves speed.