49ers 2019 training camp: Predicting the biggest winners and losers

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Jordan Matthews #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his first quarter touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Winner: Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews

Like Trent Taylor, Jordan Matthews seemed to be a player on the fringes of the 49ers roster entering 2019.

After all, the Niners signed him to only a one-year free-agent deal. And after San Francisco picked up rookie wideouts Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd in this year’s NFL Draft, Matthews’ chances of sticking around into the regular season didn’t look particularly great.

But Matthews stood out in a big way during OTAs, seemingly recording impressive touchdown grabs during practices and quickly developing chemistry with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

That should help, especially considering how Matthews appeared undervalued after recording just 582 receiving yards combined the past two seasons.

If Matthews winds up continuing his hot offseason pace into training camp, it will be impossible for Kyle Shanahan to keep him off the roster.

Going from a fringe player to a possible starter is a pretty good victory, right?