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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting the 3 most likely breakout players in 2019

By Jose Sanchez III

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Garrett Celek #88 after Celek caught a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers congratulates Garrett Celek #88 after Celek caught a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 02: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs back the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 02: Deebo Samuel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs back the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

WR Deebo Samuel

What was missing from the 49ers offense was a legitimate wide receiver. They did not have a real threatening player in their arsenal that would cause defenses to take notice on. Well, that is about to change after all the offseason additions, especially after the selection of receiver Deebo Samuel.

This was by far my personal favorite selection made by the 49ers in the draft in Nashville. Samuel is the prototypical Kyle Shanahan wide receiver. A player who is multi-talented that can play as a strong slot, be a feasible outside option, and be a playmaker after the catch.

Samuel’s talent alone is a threat, except now he’s about to get exponentially amplified in Shanahan’s offense. The number of plays that will be designed specifically for him should be endless.

Playing man coverage against Samuel will not be advisable. Selling deep go routes to cut underneath will be a special trait that Shanahan will want to exploit. It’s just hard not to envision Deebo breaking out in 2019.

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Now I’m not saying he’s going to be a Pro Bowl wide receiver. He’s entering his rookie season, so any consistent production with some big number games will be considered breakout.

However, Samuel not garnering Pro Bowl praise next season won’t be a reflection of him. The NFC is stacked with elite receivers and Samuel isn’t going to be a primary option for Shanahan. There are a lot of other options in the 49ers offense that can take a defense on a goose chase.

So while the system will be amplifying his abilities, it’ll also limit him in a sense. It’s the unique aspect of Shanahan’s offense. Being able to attack defenses in multiples facets with multiple players.

Expect Deebo Samuel to be one of the 49ers most lethal offensive weapons in 2019.