Rethinking 49ers 53-man roster predictions one week into training camp

Wide Receiver (7)

X Receiver: Deebo Samuel, Marquise Goodwin

Z Receiver: Dante Pettis, Kendrick Bourne, Jalen Hurd

Slot: Trent Taylor, Richie James

Remember that extra roster spot generated by cutting down on a linebacker? Well, it shows up here.

Kyle Shanahan is going to have a tough, tough time deciding between a revamped and reinforced crop of wide receivers. The rookies, Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd, are all but guaranteed roster spots.

Although Hurd is still raw, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him inactive early on game days.

Veteran wideout Marquise Goodwin is going to wind up being a gadget weapon this season, saving his speed and explosiveness, situationally. And anyone who thinks he’s a likely roster cut probably hasn’t looked at Goodwin’s contractual numbers.

During OTAs, one would have guessed Jordan Matthews, not Kendrick Bourne, would be one of the final additions to the 53-man roster. Matthews, after all, seemingly made all the big plays during spring. Yet Bourne has been the one taking over those impressive reps during training camp.

Bourne gets the cut, pushing Matthews and his one-year deal to the periphery.

Likewise, a nice battle between slot receivers Trent Taylor and Richie James has blossomed. Taylor, whose back injury hindered his 2018 efforts, looks to be back better than ever. Not to be outdone, though, James has been coming on strong in camp as of late, too.

James is now on the strongest side of the roster bubble, which bodes well moving forward.