Three 49ers Who Should Make a Bigger Impact Next Season
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With roster changes on the horizon, a few returning under-the-radar 49ers should step up in a big way in 2023. If these three players develop into a focal point of the team next season, San Francisco will be just as dangerous of an opponent.
Drake Jackson
The Niners were fortunate that defensive end Drake Jackson fell to them with the 61st pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former USC Trojan's freak athleticism and knack for getting to the football has a significant upside. Had he been utilized correctly at USC, he could have ended up being a first-round draft selection.
With Nick Bosa being arguably the most dominant edge rusher in the NFL, the rest of the defensive line produced few sacks. Bosa had a career-high 18.5 sacks this season; meanwhile, the player with the second most on the team was Samson Ebukam's total of just five sacks.
In 244 fewer defensive snaps, Drake Jackson only had two fewer sacks than Ebukam, with a total of three on the season. As Jackson develops, he has the potential to collapse one side of opposing offensive lines while Bosa dominates the other. Especially now since Ebukam and Charles Omenihu are both scheduled to be unrestricted free agents this offseason.
It is challenging to replicate defensive success the way the 49ers have been able to in recent years. Still, Jackson's development could allow them to continue their dominance for years to come if he is causing havoc for opposing offenses.
Danny Gray
Speed kills, and it cannot be taught. Danny Gray and his 4.3 40-yard dash speed should play a more prominent role next season, with Jimmy Garoppolo likely not returning as the quarterback. The soon-to-be second-year receiver was mainly used this season as a decoy or a clearout to open the field up for somebody else.
Next season with either Trey Lance or Brock Purdy under center, the speedster wideout should have more opportunities as a pass catcher. If Kyle Shanahan can unlock a vertical threat in Gray, the offense will be more lethal than ever, with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey all sharing the field. Challenging opposing safeties and keeping them honest would make it even easier for whoever is under center.
As long as Gray has a good understanding of the offense and is running crisp routes throughout camp, look for him to have an increased role in this offense next season.
Elijah Mitchell
Elijah Mitchell should be considered something other than an under-the-radar player. Still, considering his lack of availability this season, he is. The 49ers struggled offensively to start the first portion of the season, and part of that was due to Mitchell spraining his MCL in the season opener against Chicago.
Once Christian McCaffrey became the starter in San Francisco, the offensive production was back to elite status for the rest of the season. A personnel issue that would occasionally occur is whenever the 49ers needed more of a downhill power back carrying the ball. Jordan Mason did well with the opportunities he got, but Mitchell is the physical back this offense needs.
Mitchell, who entered this season as the starting running back, only took 45 carries in just five games played. If he can stay healthy next season and the 49ers can have the running back tandem of McCaffrey and Mitchell for at least most of the season, the Niners can run over any defense in the league.
If these three 49ers stay relatively healthy and play a more prominent role on the team next season, their impact could more than make up for some of the key free agents they may have to let walk.
