With The First Pick
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49ers: 3 Kendrick Bourne replacements in 2021 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

Dec 13, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs with the ball against the Washington Football Team during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs with the ball against the Washington Football Team during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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49ers target Dez Fitzpatrick. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Dez Fitzpatrick – Louisville

Consistently productive throughout his career at Louisville despite a significant drop-off in quarterback play after Lamar Jackson was drafted in 2018, Fitzpatrick is among the draft prospects who compares best to Bourne in terms of his physical profile.

At 6ft 2in and 202 pounds, Fitzpatrick is not the twitchiest of receivers but displayed evident stop-start quickness at the Senior Bowl and has several different releases in his locker, utilizing them to gain leverage and generate separation.

Not afraid to use his frame to help him get open, Fitzpatrick’s apparent commitment to winning in several ways is a trait shared by Bourne, whose knack for creating space in the biggest moments was a significant factor in the Niners’ 2019 season ending in a Super Bowl appearance.

Fitzpatrick has the frame to be a weapon in the red zone having excelled in contested-catch situations in his time with the Cardinals.

Far from the finished article, Fitzpatrick would have time to develop in an offense where George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel will consume most of the targets. But Fitzpatrick averaged 16.8 yards per reception across his four seasons with Louisville and he has shown enough promise to suggest he could develop into a similarly efficient receiver at the next level.