San Francisco 49ers: 5 options for No. 3 wide receiver in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: Kendrick Bourne
While an early guess would have Kendrick Bourne slated for starting duties in 2020 alongside Deebo Samuel, there’s a very real chance he’s kept more as a third-tier option on the depth chart.
For starters, it’s important to acknowledge Kyle Shanahan doesn’t deploy the standard WR1, WR2, slot-type of wide receiver deployments so often seen around the league. Receivers lining up in the slot often motion outside or run standard boundary routes, while outside receivers can find themselves working in the middle of the field often.
Bourne doesn’t epitomize a slot receiver, so the No. 3 designation only matters to the depth chart and pecking order.
Statistically, this makes some sense. Last year, Bourne was tied for the 49ers lead in receiving touchdowns alongside tight end George Kittle with five. But Bourne was fourth in total receiving yards (358) behind Kittle, Samuel and now-New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
It seems Shanahan prefers to use Bourne situationally, especially in the red zone, which is probably the kind of usage the fourth-year pro winds up getting again in 2020.
To be pushed into the No. 3 spot, another player would have to surpass him on the depth chart.
There are a few who could.