The San Francisco 49ers drafted nine rookies in 2023. With that, it is time to predict the 49ers’ rookie breakout players for the season. The team went into the 2o23 NFL draft with 11 picks but ended with nine due to trading up for safety Ji’Ayir Brown. Sometimes predicting breakout players can be difficult with the 49ers, as they tend to bench rookies, but making predictions never hurt. Here is a look at the probable 49ers’ rookie breakout players for the 2023 season.
49ers’ Rookie Breakout Players
Former Michigan kicker Jake Moody (13) – Kaytie Boomer/MLive.com
Jake Moody
Kicker Jake Moody was drafted in the third round with pick 99 by the 49ers. While it seemed early, there were kickers taken quickly in the fourth round, making it make sense for the 49ers. This is one of the only rookies that are definitely expected to start for San Francisco this season. It gives him the most likely chance to be one of the 49ers’ rookie breakout players in 2023.
Moody spent five years with the Michigan Wolverines. In his final season, Moody made 60 extra points out of 60 attempts, according to Sports Reference. He also made 29 field goals out of 35 attempts, giving him an 82.9 field goal percentage. So far, during OTAs, it was reported that Moody hit field goals from 33, 38, and 43 yards out. He has only reportedly missed from 48 yards out. While there is a battle to be the starting kicker, Moody can turn out to be one of the 49ers’ rookie breakout players in 2023.
Former Georgia Bulldogs Edge Robert Beal Jr. (33) – Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com/ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Robert Beal Jr.
Although Robert Beal Jr. is listed as a linebacker, the 49ers drafted him as a defensive lineman. Beal spent five years with the Georgia Bulldogs but did not play in 2020. It is expected that Beal will compete as an edge rusher, as the spot on the opposite side of Nick Bosa is wide open. Even if Beal is not the starter, San Francisco rotates their defensive line often throughout the game. Beal will more than likely get a shot this season if he stays healthy. While on the field, there is a good chance Beal can be one of the 49ers’ rookie breakout players this season.
The 49ers picked Beal in the fifth round with the 173rd overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. In 2022, Beal played in 15 games for the Bulldogs. In those 15 games, he had 25 combined tackles, 16 of which were solo, according to Sports Reference. He also had 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Although Beal will most likely not be a starter right away, he can turn out to be a 49ers’ rookie breakout player this year.
Former Penn State safety Ji’Ayir Brown (16) – Joe Hermitt/pennlive
Why Not Ji’Ayir Brown or Ronnie Bell This Year?
The 49ers traded up for safety Ji’Ayir Brown, and there has been a lot of hype surrounding wide receiver Ronnie Bell. So why are they not predicted to break out in 2023? Their position will hold them back this year. That is not to say that they will never see the field, they will just be lower on the depth chart and will be used more in the case of injuries. San Francisco’s players do get hurt often, though, and the two players will most likely play a bit.
Brown, to start the season, will be behind Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson on the depth chart. The goal is for Hufanga and Brown to be the top safeties on the team; that is not projected to be in 2023. As for Bell, the top two receivers are Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Behind them is Jauan Jennings. The 49ers also use George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey as receivers. This makes it difficult for a rookie wide receiver to break out right away.
Hopefully, by the end of the season, fans and the team can discuss how there are a number of 49ers’ rookie breakout players. As of now, definitely expect Beal and Moody to stand out, but do not be completely surprised if Brown and Bell do big things this year as well. Also, be sure to check out the 49ers’ breakout players on the offense and defense here.
