No. 1: Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne
Like Ross Dwelley, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was squarely on the roster bubble heading into training camp.
Despite being San Francisco’s leading wide receiver in 2018 with 487 yards, the fact the 49ers brought aboard veteran wideout Jordan Matthews through free agency during the offseason didn’t bode well for Bourne’s chances in 2019.
Matthews was certainly hot during OTAs, but Bourne has been the better receiver during training camp.
It’s possible the added competition has polished Bourne, the undrafted third-year pro out of Eastern Washington, making him a more-rounded product and giving him a better chance to impact the offense this season.
Currently, Bourne is listed as the No. 3 boundary wide receiver on the Niners’ unofficial depth chart versus Dallas. While Kyle Shanahan doesn’t have to stick to this at all, particularly during the preseason, it’s interesting to note Bourne likely matches up against Cowboys defensive backs higher up on their own depth chart.
That bodes well for Bourne, not just in terms of his roster chances, but also his placement on the depth chart, too.
The 49ers and Cowboys kick off for Week 1 of the 2019 preseason on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 9 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.