San Francisco 49ers: Power ranking top 10 players entering 2020

49ers Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel

There’s probably an argument to be made second-year wide receiver Deebo Samuel could be higher on this list than he is. The fact is that in order for the 49ers to be successful in 2020, he might need to make himself not only among the 49ers best players but among the best players at his position in the NFL.

Samuel will enter the season as the Niners de facto No. 1 wide receiver and one of Kyle Shanahan’s top playmaking options, both as a pass-catcher and a runner out of the backfield.

In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Samuel was a better-graded player as a runner (88.8) than as a receiver (75.3), but his overall grade (77.5) for the entire season was strong and included several elite grades for games throughout the season.

The former South Carolina Gamecock was allowed time to grow into his role in the 49ers offense, something that may also be afforded to 2020 first-round draft pick Brandon Aiyuk this season.

But in order for that to work, Samuel will have to continue to improve.

Yes, Samuel did finish with the most receiving yards for a rookie since Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and set the record for most overall yards from scrimmage for a Niners rookie.

And if he can continue to produce at that pace, he should not only move up the ranks of 49ers players but be a key cog on a successful 49ers team in 2020.