San Francisco 49ers: 5 potential breakout players in 2017

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) reacts in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (88) catches a ball for a touchdown while being defended by New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 37-14. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (88) catches a ball for a touchdown while being defended by New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 37-14. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Marquise Goodwin

One of the newest 49ers wide receivers is a fifth-year speed demon who started his career with the Buffalo Bills.

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With only 780 career yards and six touchdowns, some might ask why wide receiver Marquise Goodwin projects to have a career year in 2017.

In 2016, Goodwin posted career highs of 431 yards and three touchdowns, while avoiding major injury for the first time.

Goodwin now steps into an offense orchestrated by a man who is seemingly able to squeeze the most out of explosive offensive weapons. This is apparent watching Kyle Shanahan scheme ways to involve Taylor Gabriel of the Atlanta Falcons as their No. 3 wideout throughout 2016. In the final eight games of the season, Gabriel had six touchdowns and nearly 500 yards.

Gabriel and Goodwin both possess elite-level speed, but don’t tell Goodwin his wheels are being compared to anyone else’s. He’s still certain he’s the fastest player in the league.

49ers fans should be ecstatic about seeing Goodwin’s 4.27 40-yard speed stretch defenses all season long in Santa Clara.