The 49ers returned largely the same roster from last season. Simply moving laterally won’t be enough if they want to make another jaunt back to the Super Bowl though.
With so many players coming back, another deep postseason run will require a handful of players to take significant steps forward from where they were a year ago.
Here are five players who will have to thrive in expanded roles if the 49ers are going to repeat last year’s success:
WR Kendrick Bourne
Bourne was remarkably consistent over the last two seasons, and fell into a productive role as a third receiver last year. Since 2018, Bourne has 72 receptions for 845 yards. Of his 72 catches, 53 have gone for either a first down or a touchdown. A go-to target to convert first downs and touchdowns is valuable, but the 49ers may need more from Bourne in 2020. With question marks all over the roster at that position and a truncated offseason, Bourne’s familiarity with the offense and his rapport with Garoppolo put him in line for his most productive year as a pro.