San Francisco 49ers: 4 Players Primed to Break Out in 2012

As good as the San Francisco 49ers have been this year there is still much room for improvement. There are still some areas of glaring need for this team, but fans shouldn't worry. 

There are four players currently on the 49ers roster that are primed to break out with huge seasons in 2012.

These players are currently occupying complimentary roles for the team, but by this time next year they will be integral parts in the engine that runs the 49ers.

Chris Culliver, Cornerback

Chris Culliver was a fantastic find by Trent Baalke, as he was drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft. He would have been picked up sooner in that draft, but there were some concerns about a season-ending torn pectoral injury and Culliver slid down draft boards.

The rookie out of South Carolina has been a solid contributor in the 49ers secondary in 2011. He has shown the ability to stick to his man with consistency and he rarely gets beat. When his receiver does catch the ball, Culliver is adept at making tackles and his man rarely gets through him.

Culliver has hauled in one interception this year and I expect him to significantly improve upon that number in 2012. 

I also expect Culliver to become a starter for the 49ers next year coming out of training camp. I believe he'll grow in leaps and bounds after an entire offseason with the coaching staff and his teammates.

You must remember, the lockout was the toughest on rookies. The ones that did well will only do better with the proper coaching, training and film study that can only be gotten through extensive offseason time at team facilities.

Bruce Miller, Fullback

Trent Baalke once again showed his genius for finding solid football players when he drafted Bruce Miller out of Central Florida in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft. Remember, Miller was a defensive end in college, but the 49ers drafted him to be the fullback.

Miller was shocked when the 49ers drafted him to be the fullback. Nobody else had him on their board as a lead blocker, but Baalke pulled the trigger on the redhead, and he looks to be the second coming of Tom Rathman (who happens to be Miller's running back coach).

Miller has been a major upgrade over Moran Norris. He has shown an ability to be a devastating lead blocker, while also displaying above-average athleticism and soft hands. It doesn't get any better than that for a fullback in a West Coast offense.

I predict that Miller will be the starting fullback in next year's Pro Bowl. That's how good I think he'll be in 2012 for the 49ers.

Note: I was one of the folks who was irritated when Baalke passed on Le'Ron McLain over the summer. Turns out, he knows more about what he's doing than I do.

Kyle Williams, Wide Receiver

I've been chatting with many of you in the comments section of my threads about Kyle Williams. I know I'm not the only one that is high on this kid. He's got the potential to become one of the elite slot receivers in the NFL.

In the same way that rookies were affected more than veterans by the lockout, Alex Smith and the entire 49ers offense never had a chance to learn the nuances of the West Coast passing game Harbaugh is running now.

What this means for Williams is that the 49ers passing offense next year will be far more advanced and his skills will become far more valuable and refined, thus making him a deadly weapon for Smith.

We've all seen the flashes of brilliance he demonstrates every time he touches the ball. People have suggested the 49ers should take a look at DeSean Jackson, but I see just as much play-making ability with Williams as I see with Jackson.

I expect big things from Williams in 2012 and I'm convinced he won't disappoint.

Kendall Hunter, Running Back

Call me crazy, but I want to see Kendall Hunter become the 49ers' featured back in 2012. 

Hunter is explosive and he's started to learn how to wait on his blockers. His tutor, Frank Gore, is one of the best in the NFL at reading a play as it unfolds and Tom Rathman is also right there to teach him the little details that make all the difference in the world.

I see Hunter as a rival to LeSean McCoy in his abilities. He is one of the most dangerous backs in the NFL after the catch, but his opportunities have been limited. 

I see Gore becoming for the 49ers what LaDainian Tomlinson has been for the New York Jets for the last couple of seasons. The 49ers could have the best rushing attack in the NFL if they keep Gore hungry on the sidelines half the time.

Hunter has the skills, passion and intelligence to become one of the elite running backs in the NFL. I believe next year will be the year he proves it.