3 San Francisco 49ers Players Poised for a Breakout Season in 2015

With the NFL delaying the Tom Brady appeal, we can at least temporarily put Deflategate on the back burner and return to some normalcy. 

Preseason action doesn't start until August, but no worries, we'll hear countless stories about potential breakout candidates. I'm here to get a jump-start in the breakout conversations. 

Let's examine three potential breakout candidates for the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. 

Carlos Hyde, RB

The selection of Hyde shouldn't come as a surprise. With Frank Gore in Indianapolis, Hyde will be the lead back for San Francisco going forward. 

Don't worry—we'll still see a healthy dose of Reggie Bush and Mike Davis; however, neither of those players will shoulder the same workload as Hyde. 

He showed enough last season to be considered the 49ers' long-term option at running back. While most fans would have loved to see Gore retire in a 49ers uniform, the team ultimately made the right decision in going with the younger and cheaper Hyde. 

As fans have noticed, Hyde and Gore are similar players. 

Much like his predecessor, Hyde is a violent downhill runner. That should mesh well with a 49ers offensive line built to play power football. 

Like Gore, Hyde also can't beat anyone with breakaway speed. Though, for a 230-pound back, he is surprisingly nimble on his feet.

Bush will likely handle passing downs, but don't be surprised if the 49ers use Hyde as a receiving threat. Much like Gore, catching passes is an underrated and underused element of his repertoire. 

Look for the bruising tailback to flourish in 2015.  

Aaron Lynch, OLB

Ahmad Brooks used to be one of the most underrated elements of this 49ers defense. He wasn't flashy, but he got the job done opposite Aldon Smith. 

Now? Well, with Brooks' age (32), the writing seems to be on the wall for the veteran linebacker. Luckily for the front office, the 49ers have a great player in Aaron Lynch waiting in the wings. 

Much like Smith, Lynch has all the physical traits you're looking for in an edge-rusher. His height (6'5'') and length (34" wingspan) are factors, but it's his deceptive strength that makes him an intriguing prospect. 

Will he record 10 sacks in 2015? Maybe, but it will depend on playing time. Brooks will inevitably depart from the organization, but it may not happen this season.  

Unless general manager Trent Baalke can execute a trade, Brooks is too good of a player to ride the bench. I see a 60-40 timeshare at the position, with Lynch receiving most of the playing time. 

Still, even with limited playing time, he was a force last season. Lynch should receive more snaps this season, and with that, expect the young pass-rusher to be a household name in 2015. 

Jarryd Hayne, RB/KR/PR

If you haven't noticed already, I'm a huge fan of Jarryd Hayne. I've been singing his praises since the 49ers signed the former rugby player. 

Now, this will be Hayne's rookie season, so he doesn't exactly fit the traditional definition of a breakout candidate, but I'll make an exception for him. 

Hayne will be listed as a running back on the official depth chart, but his biggest role will likely come in the return game. 

He checks out in every criterion. Toughness? Well, he played rugby. Is he fast or elusive enough? He ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash at 6'2", 220 pounds. 

Can he protect the ball? This would be the only question mark, but his experience playing rugby helps here. 

The 49ers desperately need a shot in the arm on special teams. They were solid last year, but they haven't scored a return touchdown since 2011. 

We should see improvements from this 49ers offense, but Hayne will be a difference-maker when it comes to field position. Also, look for him to take a few of those returns to the house in 2015. 

Any time Hayne touches the football, good things should happen.