The 49ers have seen several players make major improvements in their second season under Kyle Shanahan.
George Kittle and Fred Warner made the year two leap in 2018 and 2019. Last season saw guard Aaron Banks step into the starting lineup and Talanoa Hufanga be named First Team All-Pro. Coming off a season that saw them lead the league in points allowed, the 49ers defense is undergoing a transition in 2023.
We’ve already looked at who we think will make the year two leap on defense in 2023. Let’s jump over to the other side of the ball.
The 49ers 2023 offense has a few players with the potential to make the year two leap. Included among those are wide receiver Danny Gray and offensive lineman Spencer Burford.
While Gray and Burford would be strong choices, the offensive player who will make the year two leap for San Francisco in 2023 is Jordan Mason.
Mason proved himself to be a dependable back during his rookie season, working his way into the closer role. The undrafted free agent averaged six yards per carry and was dependable late in games.
When training camp kicks off Mason will find himself in a battle with Elijah Mitchell and Ty Davis-Price to be the top back behind Christian McCaffrey.
Mitchell has been an effective back when healthy. Therein lies the problem as Mitchell has played just 16 of a possible 34 regular season games in his first two years with the 49ers.
Already a proven runner, Mason will need to show improvement in the passing game if he is going to move ahead of Mitchell on the depth chart. His performance during the offseason program was a good start.
During OTAs and minicamp, Mason held on to every pass which came his way while Elijah Mitchell and Ty Davis-Price each dropped at least one. If he keeps this up during training camp, Mason will have a good chance to supplant Mitchell in the 49ers running back rotation.
I think the 49ers best chance of keeping both CMC and Mitchell healthy is using a 3 headed RB rotation. It would look something like this.
CMC 12 carries 4 receptions
Mason 10 carries 1 reception
Mitchell 8 carries 2 receptions
Once the playoffs start they could lean more heavily on a well rested CMC.
As well as Mason I hope Burford and Brendle (2nd year starter) take 2nd year leaps.
I was going to say basically this exact same thing. A 3 headed RB rotation to keep CMC fresh for the playoffs is the dream scenario for the 49ers. So saying Jordan Mason is the offensive player to make the biggest step forward when he, hopefully, is splitting time between 2 other players seems odd. Also, coming off a rookie year where he averaged 6 YPC, it seems weird to say he’s going to make a step forward. He may be used more but I doubt he is more productive on a per snap basis. To me, the guy who could have the greatest impact on the offensive side is Danny Gray. Having a guy who can take the top off a defense would entirely open up this offense. If the 49ers can find a way to make defenses respect Gray deep then that could lead to the 49ers being the most prolific offense in the NFL. Danny Gray could be huge if the 49ers find ways to effectively use his speed.
Pat,
For Mason to take a 2nd year leap he would have to catch 20 to 30 balls.
Old coach makes sense. I wonder whether Price even makes the team this year. Maybe PS? ? He so rarely played last year so hard to say. Camp is critical for him.
I would like to see Danny Gray breakout. But he is behind the starters and Juan Jennings. I still hope rb Khalon makes the roster.
I think if Gray or TDP don’t make 2nd year leaps they could be 2nd year cuts.
5 Days until vets return!!!!!
I would like to see Mason be our short yardage back throughout the first 3 quarters of the game, and then when the defense is more worn down, bring Mitchell in as our closer in the 4th. Unfortunately, I think we have to limit Mitchell’s carries to try and preserve his health throughout the season.
Mason has shown good potential in his rookie season, and his good efforts are somewhat magnified because he was a UDFA. If he can become a better receiver this year, he could be a great one-two punch with CMC.
But having said that, Mitchell has already shown what he can do when he’s in the lineup. Mitchell, can run with speed, break tackles and make the catches. His rookie season was great and his performance against Dallas (96 yrds rushing) in the playoffs after being sideline due to injury reminded me of his rookie season.
But obviously, the injuries have kept him off the field, and greatness happens on the field not the side-lines. Hopefully, his injury woes are behind him, because imho, he is a strong piece to the 49ers 2023 SB run.
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