Niner Noise
FanSided

An early look at 5 players on the 49ers’ 2019 roster bubble

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/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

Another player on the stronger side of the regular-season roster bubble is wide receiver Trent Taylor, who just so happens to be switching his number from 81 to No. 15:

OK, fine. But that doesn’t change the fact Taylor went through a pretty substantial regression in 2018, hauling in a mere 26 receptions for 215 yards after an impressive rookie debut the year before.

Granted, Taylor was dealing with a back injury for most of last season. A full recovery from that could put him right back into the mix, particularly if he reemerges as a key third-down weapon again.

But Taylor will be challenged by second-year pro Richie James, who was a camp standout a year ago and flashed both speed and explosiveness during the regular season. James will also have his eye on starting slot receiver duties, which should make for an enticing camp battle.

With a lot of names at wide receiver, however, there’s a good chance Taylor would be pushed off the roster if he fails to win out this pending competition.