Breaking down the 90 players on the 49ers offseason roster in 90 posts (over 90 or so days). We kick things off with WR Kendrick Bourne

The San Francisco 49ers drafted two wide receivers in the 2019 NFL Draft. That’s going to affect the current receivers on the roster. There’s going to be a player that played a lot of snaps in 2018 that might not be on the teams roster come September. I don’t think that’s Kendrick Bourne. It doesn’t make much sense, but Bourne was one of my favorite players watching the games last year. It’s probably the dancing, but I just appreciate how he plays the game and gives it his all.

A rookie out of Eastern Washington, where Bourne was teammates with Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, didn’t put up big numbers in 2017, but averaged over 16 yards per catch. In 2018, Bourne had 42 catches for 487 yards and 4 touchdowns. What we saw from Bourne in 2018 was a player that improved from his rookie year. Bourne was able to break some plays here and there, but he strikes me as more of a possession receiver, that can get schemed open and take advantage of that after the catch.

Bourne came on towards the end of the season, but I’d like to see him build a rapport with Jimmy Garoppolo. That’ll be something to keep an eye on during training camp. Just how involved Bourne will be, or will he find himself buried on the depth chart with three new additions at the position.

Basic info

Age: 23 (turns 24 on August 4, 2018)

Experience: 2 accrued seasons

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 203

Cap Status: Bourne’s cap hit for 2019 is $646,668. Only $25,000 of that is guaranteed.

Why he might regress in 2019

Numbers. The 49ers added Deebo Samuel, Jordan Matthews, and Jalen Hurd. Not to mention Tevin Coleman. If everyone is healthy, Bourne’s stats will surely take a hit. The one thing to be worried about with Bourne is his early season numbers in 2018. He was non-existent with Jimmy Garoppolo. His touchdown against the Detroit Lions was by scheme.

Why he might improve

Bourne takes the next step and is able to become the teams version of Cole Beasley. A receiver that isn’t the most athletic, but just gets open. When he doesn’t get open, he’s able to make the tough, contested catches. Bourne shows enough during training camp that Kyle Shanahan carves out a role for him during the regular season.

Odds of making the team

Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel, and Jalen Hurd are making the team. Marquise Goodwin is probably going to make the team as well. Whether the team decides to carry five or six receivers, Bourne has to lock down that final spot. I like his odds, because I think he will be able to contribute on special teams. It’ll likely come down to who is more valuable, Bourne or Trent Taylor?