The San Francisco 49ers had one thing in mind when they used a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on a small-school prospect out of Montana, wide receiver Junior Bergen.
They wanted to infuse a spark into the return game on special teams, which was a primary objective for then-new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer.
Ultimately, Bergen's hopes were dashed despite a handful of promising moments during the preseason; failing to make the regular-season roster and spending the entirety of his rookie campaign on the practice squad.
And if there were any hopes of Bergen having a shot in year one, they were dashed by the Niners trading for former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver and return specialist Skyy Moore, who ultimately delivered on Boyer's plans over the course of the season.
But Moore is gone now, having departed via free agency, opening up the door for Bergen to have a shot at finally making an impact.
That said, the road to a spot on the 53-man roster is anything but clear for the second-year pro.
Junior Bergen still has major uphill climb to make 49ers roster
The 5-foot-9, 184-pound receiver who returned eight punts for a touchdown during his collegiate career isn't exactly a shoo-in for a roster spot despite Moore's departure.
Granted, losing the latter earlier this offseason means San Francisco is again on the hunt for a viable return specialist, which is ultimately better news for Bergen than it was in August of last year. But this doesn't mean the 49ers are wholly without other options.
As of now, a favorite in the competition might be fellow wide receiver Jacob Cowing, who handled said duties in 2024 prior to Moore's arrival, and the former should be seen as the favorite, given he's offered more on offense than Bergen, who has yet to even see an active gameday roster.
That said, Boyer singled Bergen out when he was presented with the Niners' final pick of the 2025 draft, and it's entirely possible he was willing to let the rookie wait it out a year before allowing him to have a substantial chance.
It'll ultimately be up to Bergen, though, and whether or not he can surpass other return specialists like Cowing.
If so, then maybe the undersized return man finds himself as a surprise addition to the roster when final cuts are announced later this summer.
It won't be easy, though.
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