49ers roster: 4 players primed for breakout 2022 seasons

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers breakout player No. 2: WR Brandon Aiyuk

Much like Deebo Samuel, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was expected to take a massive leap in year two after his impressive showing his rookie season.

Aiyuk also dealt with injuries, too, but his modest regression in 2021 appeared to have more to deal with being in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s proverbial “doghouse,” while not totally meshing with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Nevertheless, Aiyuk still managed to finish on a strong note, ending his sophomore campaign with 56 receptions and even besting his rookie receiving-yard totals with 826 in 2021.

Now, with quarterback Trey Lance poised to take over under center, Aiyuk should be in a much better position, both as a go-to target and as a deep threat. Lance is more akin to tossing deep passes against man coverage, and that’s a facet in which Aiyuk thrives.

Read More: Expect Brandon Aiyuk to thrive with Trey Lance in 2022

Samuel and tight end George Kittle are likely to command the greatest attention from other teams’ best coverage options, meaning Aiyuk should see plenty of favorable matchups this season.

As such, and with Lance being better suited to take advantage of his talents, Aiyuk should finally turn into that bona fide complementary receiver to Samuel this season.