With OTAs in session, predictions on the 2023 season can begin to form. With that, there are predicted 49ers breakout players on the offense to discuss. The San Francisco 49ers have a loaded team with Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and more. There are other players expected to many a big leap as well. Here is a look at the predicted offensive 49ers breakout players for the 2023 season, and even a special teams player.
49ers Breakout Players 2023
The list is compiled of players with at least one year of NFL experience, meaning no rookies will be listed. These players are projected to make a leap this coming season.
San Francisco 49ers RB Jordan Mason – Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
Jordan Mason
The running back had a decent season in 2022. He will most likely be third on the depth chart, but seeing how injuries have hurt the team in the past, there could be a chance for Mason sees the field. In year one, Mason did well, considering his playing time. In year two, while he will not see the field often, he can still turn into one of the 49ers breakout players.
In 2022, Mason started out behind fellow running back Ty Davis-Price on the depth chart. When Davis-Price got hurt early in the season, Mason got his shot to be pushed up on the list. He ended up being active for 16 regular season games. Mason rushed the ball 43 times for 253 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Reference. His longest run was for 55 yards, and it was in a game they only needed the first down. Mason’s want for more yards at all times is what will push him to be a 2023 49ers breakout player.
San Francisco WR Danny Gray – Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
Danny Gray
Wide receiver Danny Gray was pretty low on the depth chart in 2022 but could have a shot to be one of the 49ers breakout players in 2023. There was excitement surrounding Gray heading into the season due to his speed, but nothing ever happened with that. The top three wide receivers on the team are Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings. Even aside from them, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey will receive it quite often. This does make it harder for Gray, but he can have a chance this season to be a 49ers breakout player.
Not all the blame can be put on the depth chart. Gray has had chances and it just did not work out. Gray played in 13 games and was targeted seven times. Yes, that is not a lot of targets, but of the seven, he had just one reception, according to Pro Football Reference. That reception was for ten yards. Gray’s hype was due to his speed.
Hopefully, in year two, Gray can take advantage, but the team drafted wide receiver Ronnie Bell as well. Bell may be the push Gray needs, as Bell has already been making a name for himself during OTAs and rookie mini-camp. The one thing about Gray is, this may be his final season to prove himself as well. This is Gray’s chance to be a 2023 49ers breakout player but maybe his final chance too.
San Francisco 49ers RS Ray-Ray McCloud III – Chris Unger/Getty Images
Ray-Ray McCloud
While Ray-Ray McCloud is the team’s returner, McCloud has yet to return any ball of a touchdown. The player has been with the 49ers for just one season but will return in 2023. The kickoff rule change may affect McCloud more than people think. The return specialist has tried to return many kickoffs but may stop trying in 2023. If he can step it up, and avoid turnovers, McCloud can be a 49ers breakout player on the special teams in 2023.
McCloud has been in the league for years, so breakout player is in terms of specifically San Francisco. McCloud did get chances as a receiver in 2022, but nothing notable, and it will probably be the same in 2023. With the 49ers’ defense being how good they are, hopefully, they can force teams to punt often.
In 2022, McCloud returned 33 punts for 356 yards, according to Pro Football Reference. He averaged 10.8 yards per return, his longest being for 35 yards. He also had 26 kick returns for 599 yards. His longest was for 39 yards, averaging 23 yards per return. It will be interesting to see how different the kick returns are, but as long as he does not turnover the ball, McCloud can turn into a 49ers breakout player from the special teams.
While some of these players are pretty low on the depth chart, they have a solid chance to be among the San Francisco 49ers breakout players in 2023. To find out the predicted breakout players on the defense, read here.
