SF 49ers: 3 best under-the-radar performances in training camp

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Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: SF 49ers Wide Receiver Trent Taylor

Hyping up a rookie is one thing. But in the case of fourth-year pro wide receiver Trent Taylor, 2020 could easily be a redemption story.

2018 saw Taylor deal with a back injury, while 2019 was marked by a Jones fracture in his foot and numerous surgery complications thereafter. For a player who developed such a strong rapport with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo late in 2017, it surely was disappointing to see.

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Yes, Brandon Aiyuk has been flashing in training camp. But one could make the argument Taylor has been the most impressive wide receiver over the course of practices, again getting open for Garoppolo on a regular basis and serving as a viable go-to option against San Francisco’s lethal pass rush.

Before his 2019 foot injury, Taylor was easily the star during Niners training camp. And it’s looking as if Taylor is reverting back to his pre-injury form, which is great news for the 49ers.

Especially with second-year wide receiver Deebo Samuel on the mend with a similar foot fracture.

For whatever the reasons, however, Taylor’s efforts have largely gone unnoticed among bigger circles who seem to be more focused on rookies like Aiyuk and Javon Kinlaw while looking at well-known stars like Garoppolo, Nick Bosa and tight end George Kittle.

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Taylor is showing why it’s important not to overlook him, however.