San Francisco 49ers: 4 Potential Breakout Stars in 2011
The San Francisco 49ers are in semi-rebuild mode, where a new coaching staff has been brought in to revitalize a once-proud franchise.
More than anything, this team needs direction, and with the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, 49er fans can breath a little easier. While Mike Singletary proved to be a solid motivator, his inexperience was evident as the head coach for the 49ers in his two-year tenure with the team. I believe Singletary will eventually be a solid head coach in this league, but the time is not now.
We can credit "Sing" for the emergence of Vernon Davis as one of the top tight ends in the game. Vernon always had the talent but just needed a shove, and Singletary obliged (and infamously sent him to the showers).
Harbaugh, on the other hand, will finally give the 49ers an offensive-minded coach (a supposed QB Guru of sorts). Both Mike's were considered defensive-minded coaches, and it will be nice change for the 49ers fanbase to have a head coach with a contrasting style.
The most frustrating aspect of being a 49ers fan (and I count myself among the 49er faithful) is the lack of direction this organization has displayed in the last few years. This team has major talent at key positions (with exception to the QB position) and yet, this organization find's itself on the outside looking in come playoff time. The NFC West is considered a laughing stock (and it definitely is), but every year (since 2002), the 49ers seem to find themselves waiting for the next season to start.
Despite the struggles of this organization, the 49ers fanbase should be (and is) considered one of the best in the NFL. The organization continues to garner a huge amount of support from this fanbase every season, and they sure don't disappoint (usually sell out Candlestick Park).
Harbaugh and GM Trent Baalke had a solid first draft as a tandem and 49ers faithful hope this occurs for years to come. They added some solid players to a roster filled with talent at key positions.
The roster is filled with talent, and I will list a few young players who have the potential for a breakout season with the 49ers. In this list, I will not include rookies (for the reason that I haven't witnessed one snap).
Manny Lawson, LB
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In the eyes of some fans, Manny Lawson has been considered a huge disappointment. Lawson wasn't drafted anywhere near the top 10 (drafted 22nd in 2006), but fans expected the North Carolina State product to produce immediately. Lawson had some injury concerns to start his career but has stayed relatively healthy the last two seasons.
Lawson is a solid pass-rusher and an excellent coverage linebacker. He hasn't had a breakout season as of yet (declined a bit last season with only 2.5 sacks), and some fans think he has already reached his ceiling. I still believe Lawson can turn into a 10-sack type of player, and next season might be that year.
With the selection of Aldon Smith (and I believe he'll start right away at ROLB), it should spark a fire under Lawson to produce. The 49ers have an excellent D-line (with the exception of a star pass rusher; in comes Aldon), and if they're able to get major production from their outside linebackers, it will really help our porous secondary.
Lawson might not be back with the organization (I believe he is a restricted free agent), but if he returns, I expect a breakout season (10-plus sacks).
NaVorro Bowman, LB
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NaVorro Bowman was a solid pick-up for the 49ers in last year's draft (he slipped a bit). Bowman played well in filling in for Patrick Willis against the Cardinals during Week 17 of the 2010 NFL regular season.
I believe Bowman can play the weak-side linebacker position (next to Willis) and will excel if given that opportunity. He relies a lot on his quickness, and if Bowman could develop his technique (and have the opportunity to start), a breakout season may await.
Takeo Spikes may not return to the 49ers next season (he had a solid 2010 season), which might open a starting spot for Bowman.
Phillip Adams, CB
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Phillip Adams played mostly in special teams last season, but I believe he has the potential to be a solid No. 2 corner. The 49ers are pretty thin at cornerback, and if the team finally decides to cut Nate Clements or shift him to safety, it might give Adams the opportunity to start as the No. 2 or slot corner.
If given the opportunity, I could see Adams having a breakout season (four to five INT).
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Taylor Mays, S
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Mays, once considered a top-five pick by many analysts, slipped in the 2010 draft when concerns about his coverage skills were brought to light. The 49ers selected Mays in the second round (solid value). Mays showed glimpses of stardom last season but was very inconsistent in terms of coverage.
Mays has all the physical tools to become a Hall of Fame-type of safety but that doesn't guarantee success in this league. I believe Mays will start next year, meaning Dashon Goldson might be on his way out.
Goldson is a solid starter but also tends to struggle in coverage. Both Mays and Goldson are strong safeties, meaning one has to play out of position in the free safety role. They experimented with that last season (Goldson playing FS and Mays playing SS), and the secondary was one of the worst in the league, giving up big play after big play.
With the right coaching, Mays can have a Pro Bowl-type of season next year.
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