San Francisco 49ers: Ranking 5 most important offensive players in 2020

Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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No. 5: 49ers Fullback Kyle Juszczyk

From a statistical vantage point, fullback Kyle Juszczyk looks the part of a good No. 2 tight end on a powerful offense.

Yet anyone who watches the film or contrasts the difference between the times Juszczyk is on the field compared to those who aren’t, it’s not hard to see the massive difference.

San Francisco experienced this firsthand last season due to Juszczyk missing four regular-season games because of injury. And as Fourth and Nine’s Akash Anavarathan pointed out, the differences in the Niners’ rushing attack was noticeably different:

Kyle Shanahan experimented with other lead blockers, namely backup tight end Ross Dwelley, albeit with only so-so results. And based on the above numbers, it’s pretty clear a run-first team operating Shanahan’s offense needs a player like Juszczyk on the field as much as possible.

Interestingly enough, Juszczyk is entering a contract year in 2020, which opens up a slew of other questions beyond this season.

For now, however, he’s vital to the 49ers’ rushing attack, which is the staple of Shanahan’s offense.