The San Francisco 49ers have been Super Bowl contenders over the last few years, but 2023 could be the season in which they finally bring home their sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
They have a stacked roster on both sides of the football, and that roster is rather young as well.
One player who is already a difference-maker but still on an upward trajectory is wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark last season in his third NFL campaign.
Nick Wagoner, who covers the 49ers for ESPN’s NFL Nation, says Aiyuk was arguably the best player on the team during OTAs and minicamp this offseason.
Brandon Aiyuk is ready for a breakout season 📈 pic.twitter.com/SbiAVWhT25
— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) June 27, 2023
While fellow wideout Deebo Samuel, who was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro First-Team selection in 2021, saw his production drop in 2022, Aiyuk increased his, and there is a feeling he could be on the verge of truly breaking out.
He scored eight touchdowns last season and became more of a go-to option in key situations.
San Francisco’s offense was mediocre during the first several games of the season, but October’s big trade for dual-threat running back Christian McCaffrey changed everything while taking lots of pressure off men such as Aiyuk, Samuel, and tight end George Kittle.
But defense will still likely be the Niners’ biggest calling card.
They finished first in points and total yards allowed last season, and they may become even scarier on that side of the football thanks to the addition of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who had 11 sacks last season and made the Pro Bowl the year prior.
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