Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Training camp battles to watch at each position

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Patrick Willis #52 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Patrick Willis #52 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver: Jordan Matthews vs. Kendrick Bourne

The 49ers completely revamped their wide receiver corps during the offseason, bringing aboard two rookies in Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd, while also signing free-agent wideout Jordan Matthews to a one-year deal.

After the NFL Draft, Matthews appeared to be on the fringes, likely a cut candidate considering Samuel’s presence.

But that was before Matthews put on quite the show during OTAs, which now puts him in prime contention to battle it out with third-year pro Kendrick Bourne during training camp.

Bourne, who led all Niners wide receivers last year with 487 receiving yards, emerged as something of a red-zone weapon for Shanahan last year. Despite two down years in 2017 and 2018, 16 of Matthews’ 22 touchdowns have come within the red zone.

It’s likely San Francisco keeps just one player between these two. With many of the 49ers’ other pass catchers relatively safe, the receiving battle between Bourne and Matthews will be one to watch.