Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 2019 wide receiver depth chart

By Matt Stephenson

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers scores on a 55 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers scores on a 55 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: Nickell Robey-Coleman #23 of the Los Angeles Rams is unable to defend against a touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: Nickell Robey-Coleman #23 of the Los Angeles Rams is unable to defend against a touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Kendrick Bourne

Also entering his third year with the 49ers, Kendrick Bourne was the opposite of Taylor and saw improvement in his sophomore year. As previously mentioned, Bourne led all receivers with a total of 487 yards from 42 receptions, averaging 11.6 yards per reception and four touchdowns.

Much of Bourne’s success can be attributed to Shanahan moving in favour of utilizing him over Taylor and thus seeing increased reps at the position. His route running improved along with his ability to separate from defenders, a big step up from his rookie year.

While he did have the occasional dropped ball throughout the season, Bourne has proved himself enough to retain a position on the roster, with Taylor likely being his main competition throughout training camp.

So why is the 49ers’ leading 2018 receiver ranked at number five? While he did see a vast improvement and led the Niners in receiving yards, a total of 487 yards is still no great accomplishment.

With the team likely adding more depth prior to the start of the new season, along with the return of healthy players, receivers higher up the depth chart should blow way past 487 yards.