Bourne Can Take Big Step Forward This Offseason

When the 49ers' offseason program officially gets under way Monday, it will be the one young player who isn't there – linebacker Reuben Foster – who will get the most attention.Foster won't take part in the team's offseason program until he gets more clarity to his legal situation.But for those other younger players who show up for the first phase of workouts, largely oriented toward conditioning and meetings, it will be a chance to impress the coaching staff and get a leg up on earning significant roles in 2018. Among those eager to take a big step forward are guard Joshua Garnett, tight end Cole Hikutini, defensive end Pita Taumoepenu, running back Joe Williams and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas.But as both Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com and Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee point out, second-year wide receiver Kendrick Bourne may have the greatest chance to build on what he did as an undrafted rookie in 2017.The 6-foot-1, 203-pounder from Eastern Washington caught 16 passes as a rookie for 257 yards – averaging 16.1 yards per reception – with nine of those coming over the season's final four games. His biggest game came on Dec. 12 when he had four catches...