49ers: 5 players who will have bigger roles in 2018
By Aaron Tan
No. 3: FB Kyle Juszczyk
When the 49ers signed Kyle Juszczyk in free agency, John Lynch labeled him not as a fullback, but as an offensive weapon, “OW” for short. In the first eleven games of the season, Juszczyk was not an OW, but just an ordinary fullback. All he did was block in the running game and get the occasional run.
However, since quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo got the start for the 49ers, Juszczyk has turned into the OW that the fans were promised, averaging 44 receiving yards per game, which doesn’t seem like a lot. However, ever since Garoppolo entered the starting lineup, Juszczyk has made big plays happen for the 49ers offense.
Brian Baldinger gives a great analysis on how Juszczyk can be a mismatch for opposing linebackers covering him.
Fortunately, Garoppolo will be starting at quarterback for the whole season next year. He seems to like throwing to this OW.
Expect a much more productive season from Juszczyk next year.