The San Francisco 49ers got amazing production out of their rookies in 2017. Reuben Foster was a game changer on the field, Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor both were reliable wide receivers for Jimmy Garoppolo, and Matt Breida was fighting Carlos Hyde for carries in the 49ers backfield.
Now that the rookie season is over, things can only get better with a bit longer in Kyle Shanahan’s system. There are some big things expected out of the second year players. Solomon Thomas wasn’t horrible, but he definitely didn’t meet some fans expectations. Reuben Foster has already been listed as elite in Pro Football Focus, even though he’s been injured several times during his rookie campaign.
On the offensive side of the ball, Kendrick Bourne is slowly becoming a favorite. He finished last season with 257 yards, and played in 11 games. Now that Pierre Garçon is back, those numbers could take a dip, but Garçon is also getting older and Bourne very well could begin seeing more work as the 49ers get him ready for a larger role. Then there’s Trent Taylor who became Mr. Third Down in 2017 and might be destined for bigger things in 2018. Don’t forget about George Kittle who was becoming a reliable target throughout the season both in the field and redzone.
Joe Williams had zero impact last season, spending the year on injured reserve, while Pita Taumoepenu was active for two games and otherwise spent the year as a developmental player. If both make the roster, they are likely to have a bigger impact in 2018, but how much exactly?
Here is a partial list of players heading into their second year. Who do you think will have the biggest impact in 2018?
Solomon Thomas (DE)
Reuben Foster (LB)
Ahkello Witherspoon (CB)
Joe Williams (RB)
George Kittle (TE)
Trent Taylor (WR)
Pita Taumoepenu (OLB)
D.J. Jones (DT)
Adrian Colbert (S)
Kendrick Bourne (WR)
Victor Bolden, Jr. (WR)
Matt Breida (RB)
Cole Hikutini (TE)
Erik Magnuson (OL)
Darrell Williams, Jr. (OL)
Greg Mabin (CB)