The San Francisco 49ers have great potential this season. They were just in the Super Bowl two seasons ago but injuries led to a struggle in 2020.
The 49ers made some big moves in the offseason that may help them get back to contention. While the new talent is great, they also have guys on the roster that can breakout into great players.
The 49ers made an intriguing trade in the offseason as they acquired the 3rd overall pick. With that pick the 49ers selected quarterback Trey Lance who has a ton of potential. They already have Jimmy Garoppolo on the roster so Lance may not be the starter in Week 1. That will be beneficial for his development as he can learn under an experienced quarterback.
The talent on the 49ers team is all they need to get back to contention if some players can breakout.
Here are 3 potential breakout players for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL season.
49ers breakout candidates:
3. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw
Dre Greenlaw is a very talented player and showed promise last season. With Kwon Alexander gone, Greenlaw’s role will increase and be important for the success of the 49ers defense.
The 49ers have a Pro Bowl linebacker in Fred Warner but they play two inside linebackers, leaving a spot for Greenlaw. Greenlaw has a chance to make an elite linebacker duo with Warner and they could wreak havoc on offenses if he breaks out.
2. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk had a solid rookie season and showed the potential of becoming an elite receiver. With an offensive head coach Kyle Shanahan Aiyuk will be used to the best of his ability and could break out in year two. With great talent around him he will be able to get single coverage which will allow him to use his speed to beat defenses. Aiyuk is a gifted athlete that is a great in space and is a scoring threat on any play. Look for Aiyuk to get even better in 2021 and become a great receiver with the 49ers.
1. Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw
The 2020 first round pick Javon Kinlaw showed flashes of what he could be in his rookie season. Kinlaw didn’t get the benefit of having Nick Bosa alongside him as Bosa went down with a torn ACL in week 2 of the season. With a fully healthy defensive line in 2021, Kinlaw should benefit and develop into the role Deforest Buckner once had with the 49ers. He has the chance to be a great run stopper and pass rush in the middle with talent around him on the edge. He has the potential to turn into a Pro Bowl defensive lineman especially with complimenting talent around him.
The San Francisco 49ers have put themselves in a great spot to succeed and get back to contention. The young talent on the roster paired with the experienced group has set them up to fight for a division title in a tough NFC West. This division includes the improved Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, and consistent Seattle Seahawks.
The NFC West will be the most competitive division in the NFL this season and the 49ers have the talent to come out on top. While it will be a tough journey for them they have all the players they need to make a run.
49ers fans should be prepared to get back to contention and see key players have breakout seasons.
