C.J. Beathard San Francisco 49ers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When all is said and done with the 2017 campaign, these five unexpected starters will have emerged for the rebuilt San Francisco 49ers.
Over the last few months, a lot has changed for the San Francisco 49ers. Not only has the entire front office and coaching staff been overhauled, but the roster underwent some serious construction this offseason. How will this major facelift pan out for this franchise?
No one knows for sure yet, but the early signs appear to point in a positive direction. Despite his inexperience, general manager John Lynch made some solid moves during free agency and the 2017 NFL Draft. New head coach Kyle Shanahan brings some young, exciting leadership to the team, but is also inexperienced.
One thing we do know for sure is that it will be interesting watching this team grow in 2017. As part of that growth, I'd expect some surprise starters to emerge. Whether it's during training camp or the regular season, there's enough talent and enough open positions for some unexpected names to emerge from the pack. One way or another, look for some young, high-upside players to steal at least a few starts.
With that in mind, here are my predictions for five surprise starters for the 49ers in 2017. They may not all happen solely as a result of talent, but that doesn't invalidate the fact that they'll sit atop the depth chart at some point in the coming months.
George Kittle San Francisco 49ers
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5. George Kittle, TE
By the looks of it, the 49ers tight end position is wide open right now. None of the team's current options have a firm grasp on any spot on the depth chart, meaning it's essentially open season in the hunt for the starting job.
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While Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek may seem like the best bets to take the gig, I'm a firm believer that George Kittle stands a chance of outperforming every other 49ers tight end. The 2017 fifth-round pick is an underrated talent, and will take the opportunity to prove it during training camp.
Based on his college production, it's easy to label Kittle as a blocking tight end. He wasn't fully utilized as a receiver, but the speed, athleticism and hands are there for him to shine in that department. If the 49ers can find a way to unlock some of that untapped potential, the former Hawkeye could quickly emerge as a every-down option.
Either way, don't count out Kittle in this race. McDonald has been on notice all offseason, and Celek isn't exactly a star either. Unless Blake Bell suddenly figures it all out, I'm confident the rookie will earn some significant action this season — to the tune of several starts.
Noble Nwachukwu San Francisco 49ers
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4. Noble Nwachukwu, DE
I'll admit this is a rather bold one. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Noble Nwachukwu, the former Mountaineer is an undrafted rookie who caught on with the 49ers after failing to hear his name called on draft day. Despite that fact, I like his upside as a pass-rushing specialist.
Now it may not happen right away or even during the first half of the season, but he'll get his shot in San Francisco. In fact, I wouldn't even be surprised if he spent most of the 2017 campaign on the practice squad.
Still, what Nwachukwu lacks in overall talent, he makes up for with a nonstop motor and sneaky athleticism. That's why, before the 2017 season is in the books, he will have earned at least one start. It may take an injury or two for that to happen, but the 49ers will reward him for his tenacity and determination somewhere down the road.
Obviously he's got a lot of ground to cover before that happens, though. DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead are essentially locked in as the starters. Tank Carradine should see plenty of snaps, while Ronald Blair figures to be more involved this season. If Aaron Lynch gets the ax, though, that could open a door for Nwachukwu to stick around.
You heard it here first — the undrafted rookie will get at least one start in 2017.
C.J. Beathard San Francisco 49ers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
3. C.J. Beathard, QB
We all know the 49ers' quarterback situation is about as unstable as they come. As we get further and further into 2017, that'll become even more clear.
It all starts with Brian Hoyer, who currently sits atop the depth chart. Considering his recent history, it's highly unlikely he makes it through the first half of the season without landing on IR. The guy simply can't stay healthy, and I don't expect that to change in San Francisco.
Next up is Matt Barkley, an underwhelming veteran backup if there ever was one. Once a highly touted recruit and Heisman Trophy candidate, the former USC star has failed to live up to the hype in the NFL. Although he flashes potential at times, he's incapable of keeping the ball out of the defense's hands.
That brings us to C.J. Beathard, the 49ers' third-round pick this past April. The Iowa product was seen by many as a huge project, but San Francisco sees the upside. So when Hoyer gets hurt and Barkley struggles (both inevitable), the rookie gunslinger will get the call.
It's not ideal, but this whole situation in the Bay Area is a mess. Despite that, I wouldn't be surprised if Beathard turned out to be the best of the bunch. That is, if he can turn the potential he showed at Iowa into some actual quality play.
Will Redmond San Francisco 49ers
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
2. Will Redmond, CB
It's anyone's guess what the 49ers' cornerback depth chart will look like in 2017. Rashard Robinson and Dontae Johnson seem like the best bets to start, but there's plenty of unproven talent and not a lot of experience among the group.
So it's easy to imagine a dark horse of sorts emerging between now and December. If I had to guess who that dark horse would be, the easy selection is Will Redmond.
A 2016 third-round pick, Redmond appeared to be in the mix to start as a rookie. Then, after months of speculation, the 49ers decided to shut him down after rehab from a 2015 torn ACL didn't go as planned. Now back and hopefully healthy, the Mississippi State product should finally get into the action.
Based on his college tape, Redmond has the potential to shine in San Francisco. Although he's a bit lacking in size, the former Bulldog made up for it with athleticism and impeccable instincts in coverage. If he can prove his health during training camp, I wouldn't be surprised to see him earn a role for this 49ers defense.
Either way, expect him to get some starts in 2017. It'll be due not only to underwhelming play from the guys ahead of him, but also to the wide array of skills he possesses.
Joe Williams San Francisco 49ers
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1. Joe Williams, RB
Contrary to popular belief, Joe Williams stealing the starting gig won't be easy at all. As unreliable as Carlos Hyde can be, there's no denying he's a starting-caliber running back for the 49ers. Can a rookie runner really leapfrog him in a matter of months?
I don't know about that, but I do know Williams will start at some point in 2017. Whether that's due to Hyde's struggles or an all-too-likely injury, the 49ers' fourth-round pick will get the call. Plus, I really don't see Tim Hightower standing in the way of him getting touches.
It's easy to understand why so many folks are talking about this potential battle for the top spot on the running back depth chart. Not only has Hyde underwhelmed despite flashing tremendous talent, but Williams has all the makings of a star in the ground game. He's quick, elusive and explosive in the open field.
It also helps the rookie's case that Kyle Shanahan personally pushed for his drafting. Meanwhile, the new regime has no ties to Hyde, so cutting him loose or demoting him won't reflect poorly on their decision-making abilities. It would just be a further comment on the ineptitude of the previous shotcallers.
Not long ago, Hyde was seen as one of the NFL's up-and-coming backs. Now, there's no guarantee he even begins the year as the 49ers' starter. I don't believe Williams will steal the job straight out of training camp, but we'll see him atop the depth chart before season's end.
