San Francisco 49ers: 5 storylines you did not expect in 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Kendrick Bourne Would Be a Red-Zone Weapon
Speaking more of unsung 49ers players this season, the Niners have developed a hidden gem, of sorts, in third-year pro wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
Bourne, a 2017 undrafted free agent, showed some promise his rookie and sophomore seasons at the NFL level. Entering training camp, though, San Francisco seemed poised to replace him with veteran free-agent signee, Jordan Matthews.
But Matthews was eventually the odd man out, left off the roster. And while the 49ers have brought Matthews back multiple times this season to fill depth needs, Bourne has solidified himself as a regular contributor.
Especially in the red zone.
Here’s another aspect you probably didn’t predict: Bourne is tied with tight end George Kittle for the team’s lead in receiving touchdowns this season (five). And all five of those touchdown grabs have come within the red zone, too.
Bourne might not be putting up the sheer yardage numbers like Kittle or fellow wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders or Deebo Samuel. But there’s little doubting Bourne is filling a crucial role for Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Not bad for an undrafted free agent.