3 under-the-radar 49ers who could make an impact in 2020
By Peter Panacy
George Kittle and Nick Bosa are big names for the 49ers, but these three less-known players could provide key boosts in 2020.
The San Francisco 49ers are no exception to the rule of star power in today’s high-profile NFL. When you’re thinking of the team, you think of the big-name players.
Fortunately for the Niners, there are quite a few.
It’s easy to herald tight end George Kittle, cornerback Richard Sherman, EDGE Nick Bosa and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo among the top cornerstones of the franchise, and there are other well-known names to mix into the lot, especially among the throngs of San Francisco fans who can identify nearly everyone on the roster.
Yet there are times where less-known players and contributors wind up playing a key role in a team’s success.
The 49ers also experienced some of this last year. Case in point, then-rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw seemingly came out of nowhere and assumed a major role in more-than-adequate fashion. Same with nose tackle D.J. Jones, who had a career-best year before landing on injured reserve late in the season.
So, who will these kinds of players be in 2020?
There are always less-known rookies, of course. And a few under-the-radar veterans could wind up being crucial to the team’s efforts this season, too.
As such, while it’s always fun to talk about the Niners’ superstar players every chance possible, let’s break down some other players who may not receive as much attention but are going to be vital for ensuring the team’s overall success this upcoming campaign.
Here are three unheralded players who could provide some thump this upcoming season.