49ers 2019 training camp: 5 players who are impressing early

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a five-yard touchdown catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Wide Receiver Trent Taylor

There were signs early last year slot wide receiver Trent Taylor wasn’t going to have the best of campaigns in 2018. After all, he was dealing with a back injury which was hindering him in training camp, and that setback certainly carried into the regular season.

As a result, Taylor’s numbers a season ago were down to 215 receiving yards from well over 400 his rookie year.

Fully recovered, Taylor is looking as if he’ll bounce back in a big way. And during Sunday’s practices, Taylor caught a pass from backup quarterback Nick Mullens and ran it for a long touchdown:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1155548729430216704

Taylor was a key third-down weapon in 2017, catching 19 third-down passes for a first down, which was tied for ninth best among all pass catchers that year.

There’s going to be some competition between Taylor and second-year wide receiver Richie James for slot duties this season.

Early on, however, it seems as if Taylor is the guy to beat here.