With two injury-plagued seasons hopefully behind him, 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor is ready to break out in 2020.
In the words of rap legend L.L. Cool J, “Don’t call it a comeback!” Well, actually, you can. The 49ers and wide receiver Trent Taylor are both hoping he can return to the form that made him a favorite target for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Having been a fifth-round NFL Draft pick out of Louisianna Tech in 2017, Taylor showed an ability to find gaps in opposing defenses with special reliability on third down. After the 49ers lost 10 of their first 11 games with then-rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard under center, they started a newly acquired Garoppolo the final five games.
The result was a five-game win streak and an undeniable connection with Taylor that raised hopes for the following season.
Unfortunately for Taylor and Niners fans, Taylor never totally recovered from offseason back surgery ahead of the 2018 season. The result was a disappointing season with just 26 catches for 215 yards after his promising rookie year of 43 catches for 430 yards. In 2019, Taylor’s resurgence was once again derailed when he fractured a bone in his foot during training camp.
Complications arose in his rehab, which included five different surgeries, and Taylor never saw the field last year.
With a full offseason to not only get healthy, but also work on route running, timing, and all the intricate details of being a receiver, Taylor is hoping to regain the form he displayed during his promising rookie season.
Trent Taylor bouncing back with 49ers amid great opportunity
If this video below of Taylor and tight end George Kittle from a tweet by Rick Yacovone is any indication, Taylor could have a huge impact on the 49er passing attack:
https://twitter.com/YacovoneRick/status/1280960321423802368?s=19
With injuries to fellow wideouts Deebo Samuel and Richie James that will keep them out throughout training camp, Taylor has every opportunity to re-assert himself as a main cog in the offense.
He also will be soaking up all the knowledge and experience his receivers’ coach, Wes Welker, has been relaying to him. Considering their games have some distinct similarities to them, it can only aid Taylor in his return.
If the 49ers can have a full season from Trent Taylor, along with San Francisco’s other pass catchers, the 49ers’ second-ranked offense in 2019 could be even better in 2020.